U.S. patent application number 15/281613 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-05 for stamping tool locking technology.
The applicant listed for this patent is Wilson Tool International Inc.. Invention is credited to Thomas Steven Duppong, Brian J. Lee, Bryan L. Rogers.
Application Number | 20180093317 15/281613 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61757557 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180093317 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rogers; Bryan L. ; et
al. |
April 5, 2018 |
STAMPING TOOL LOCKING TECHNOLOGY
Abstract
The invention provides a stamping tool retainer assembly
comprising a retainer, a moveable lock body, and an automation
actuator. The retainer has a tool-mount bore configured to receive
a shank of a stamping tool. The moveable lock body has a locked
position and an unlocked position. The stamping tool retainer
assembly is configured such that the lock body moves from the
unlocked position to the locked position in response to actuation
of the automation actuator. The automation actuator is a pneumatic
actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or an electric actuator.
Inventors: |
Rogers; Bryan L.; (Forest
Lake, MN) ; Duppong; Thomas Steven; (Woodbury,
MN) ; Lee; Brian J.; (Elk River, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wilson Tool International Inc. |
White Bear Lake |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61757557 |
Appl. No.: |
15/281613 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B21D 28/00 20130101;
B21D 22/20 20130101; B21D 37/04 20130101; B21D 22/02 20130101; B21D
28/34 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B21D 28/00 20060101
B21D028/00; B21D 22/02 20060101 B21D022/02; B21D 22/20 20060101
B21D022/20 |
Claims
1. A stamping tool retainer assembly comprising a retainer, a
moveable lock body, and an automation actuator, the retainer having
a tool-mount bore configured to receive a shank of a stamping tool,
the moveable lock body having a locked position and an unlocked
position, the stamping tool retainer assembly configured such that
the lock body moves from the unlocked position to the locked
position in response to actuation of the automation actuator, the
automation actuator being a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic
actuator, or an electric actuator.
2. The stamping tool retainer assembly of claim 1 wherein the
retainer is a block having generally parallel, opposed front and
rear faces, the tool-mount bore is defined by the retainer and
opens through the front face of the retainer.
3. The stamping tool retainer assembly of claim 2 wherein the
tool-mount bore is a circular bore configured to snugly receive a
cylindrical shank of a stamping tool.
4. The stamping tool retainer assembly of claim 2 wherein the
retainer has a plurality of mount openings configured to receive a
respective plurality of mounting bolts for bolting the retainer
onto a die shoe, the retainer further including a plurality of
dowel openings configured to receive a respective plurality of
locating dowels to facilitate mounting the retainer onto the die
shoe.
5. The stamping tool retainer assembly of claim 4 wherein the
tool-mount bore, the mount openings, and the dowel openings all
extend along longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to
each other.
6. The stamping tool retainer assembly of claim 2 wherein the
retainer has a major dimension of less than six inches and a height
of less than four inches.
7. The stamping tool retainer assembly of claim 1 wherein the lock
body when in its locked position is spaced apart from any
spring-based resilient biasing member of the stamping tool retainer
assembly.
8. The stamping tool retainer assembly of claim 1 wherein the
automation actuator is a pneumatic actuator or a hydraulic actuator
comprising a piston, the stamping tool retainer assembly configured
such that the piston moves from a first position to a second
position in response to actuation of the automation actuator and
the lock body is thereby pushed by the piston from the unlocked
position to the locked position.
9. The stamping tool retainer assembly of claim 1 wherein the
automation actuator is a pneumatic actuator or a hydraulic actuator
comprising a bladder, the stamping tool retainer assembly
configured such that the bladder expands in response to actuation
of the automation actuator and the lock body is thereby pushed by
the bladder from the unlocked position to the locked position.
10. The stamping tool retainer assembly of claim 1 wherein the
automation actuator is an electric actuator comprising an electric
motor, the stamping tool retainer assembly configured such that the
lock body moves from the unlocked position to the locked position
in response to operation of the electric motor.
11. The stamping tool retainer assembly of claim 1 wherein the
automation actuator is an electric actuator comprising an electric
motor and a cam body, the stamping tool retainer assembly
configured such that the electric motor moves the cam body in
response to actuation of the automation actuator and the cam body
thereby cams with the lock body so as to move the lock body from
the unlocked position to the locked position.
12. The stamping tool retainer assembly of claim 1 wherein the
automation actuator comprises a guide body having a spiral track,
the stamping tool retainer assembly configured such that the lock
body moves along the spiral track of the guide body in response to
actuation of the automation actuator such that the lock body
thereby moves from the unlocked position to the locked position,
and wherein the lock body is a ball.
13. The stamping tool retainer assembly of claim 3 wherein the
cylindrical shank of the stamping tool is received in the circular
tool-mount bore, the cylindrical shank of the stamping tool having
formed therein a lock recess, the moveable lock body being in the
locked position so as to project into the tool-mount bore and
engage the lock recess.
14. The stamping tool retainer assembly of claim 1 wherein the
stamping tool retainer assembly is mounted to a die shoe of a
stamping press.
15. The stamping tool retainer assembly of claim 1 wherein the
retainer has an intermediate opening in which the lock body is
movably mounted, the intermediate opening being located between the
tool-mount bore and the automation actuator.
16. A stamping tool retainer assembly comprising a retainer and a
moveable lock body, the retainer having a tool-mount bore
configured to receive a shank of a stamping tool, the moveable lock
body having a locked position and an unlocked position, the
stamping tool retainer assembly further comprising a tool-shank
detent adjacent to the tool-mount bore.
17. The stamping tool retainer of claim 16 wherein the tool-shank
detent is positioned to engage the shank of the stamping tool when
such shank is received in the tool-mount bore.
18. The stamping tool retainer of claim 16 wherein the tool-shank
detent is configured to retain the shank of the stamping tool in
the tool-mount bore when such shank is received in the elongated
tool-mount opening and the lock body is in its unlocked
position.
19. The stamping tool retainer of claim 16 wherein the tool-shank
detent entirely surrounds the tool-mount bore.
20. The stamping tool retainer of claim 16 wherein the tool-shank
detent comprises an O-ring.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to stamping tools
and, more particularly, to lockable retainers for stamping
tools.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Stamping tools are used in a variety of workpiece processing
applications, such as punching holes in, or forming, a piece of
sheet metal in a progressive stamping operation. A stamping tool,
such as a punch or die, acts on the workpiece to perform the
desired processing. The stamping tool is held releasably by a
retainer, which is typically secured to a die shoe of the stamping
system. Thus, the retainer holds the stamping tool securely in its
proper position.
[0003] In many cases, it is desirable to act on a workpiece at
multiple locations, e.g., simultaneously, subsequently, or both.
For example, it may be desirable to punch a number of different
holes at different spots on a piece of sheet metal. To accomplish
this, a number of retainers can be secured to the die shoe at
different locations. The die shoe carrying the stamping tools is
then moved toward the sheet metal to cause the individual tools
carried by the retainers to simultaneously act on the sheet metal.
As is well known, in some cases, a single retainer (i.e., a
multiple position retainer) holds multiple stamping tools.
[0004] Retainers are configured to hold stamping tools in a
removable manner. This enables periodic removal of stamping tools,
which is required to allow for sharpening or replacing worn tools.
It also makes it possible to exchange one stamping tool (e.g., of a
first size or shape) for another stamping tool (e.g., of a
different size or shape).
[0005] Removing a stamping tool from a conventional retainer
requires an operator to manually unlock each tool from its retainer
individually. For example, an operator must generally insert a
hand-held instrument into each retainer to cause a locking device
of the retainer to release the stamping tool. Once the operator has
unlocked and removed this tool, the same process must be repeated
for every other stamping tool to be removed. This manual process
can be time consuming, especially where a large number of stamping
tools must be removed. Moreover, the manual removal process is
complicated by the fact that the operator may need to work in close
proximity to (e.g., reach around) the sharp tips of various,
densely located tools on a die shoe.
[0006] It would be desirable to provide a stamping tool retainer
assembly that is adapted for automated (rather than manual)
unlocking. Further, it would be desirable to provide a stamping
tool retainer assembly adapted for automated unlocking (or a
conventional stamping tool retainer) with a tool-shank detent that
prevents a stamping tool received in a tool-mount bore of the
unclamped assembly or retainer from falling from the assembly or
retainer when the assembly or retainer is mounted above a workpiece
position (i.e., such that the stamping tool hangs downwardly).
SUMMARY
[0007] Some exemplary embodiments disclosed herein provide
automated assemblies and systems for unlocking one or more stamping
tools from one or more associated ball-lock retainer assemblies,
which preferably are configured to be mounted on a die shoe of a
stamping system. As a result, these particular embodiments
eliminate the need for an operator to manually unlock one or more
stamping tools from one or more ball-lock retainer assemblies.
Embodiments of this nature provide a number of useful advantages,
including increased efficiency and safety in conjunction with
removing stamping tools for maintenance (e.g., sharpening),
replacement, or other change-outs.
[0008] Various embodiments of the invention provide a ball-lock
retainer assembly. The ball-lock retainer assembly includes a ball,
a resilient biasing member, and an automation actuator. The ball
has a locked position and an unlocked position. The ball-lock
retainer assembly is configured such that the ball moves from its
locked position to its unlocked position in response to actuation
of the automation actuator. Thus, the actuator is operable to move
the ball from its locked position to its unlocked position. The
automation actuator is a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator,
or an electric actuator.
[0009] Certain embodiments of the invention provide a stamping
system. The stamping system includes a plurality of ball-lock
retainer assemblies. In the present embodiments, each of the
ball-lock retainer assemblies has a ball, a resilient biasing
member, a piston, and an automation actuator. Each ball has a
locked position and an unlocked position. Each piston is configured
to move a respective ball from its locked position to its unlocked
position in response to actuation of a respective automation
actuator. Preferably, each automation actuator is a hydraulic
actuator or a pneumatic actuator. The hydraulic or pneumatic
actuator of each such ball-lock retainer assembly has a fluid
intake port and a fluid manifold. These ball-lock retainer
assemblies are connected (optionally in series) by one or more
pressurized fluid lines.
[0010] Thus, in certain embodiments, a stamping system (e.g., a die
shoe equipped with an assembly of retainers and stamping tools) is
adapted to simultaneously or substantially simultaneously unlock a
plurality of stamping tools, such as a series (optionally all) of
the stamping tools of the stamping system. In some cases, the
system is adapted to selectively unlock a desired subset of the
stamping tools of the system.
[0011] Further, some embodiments of the invention provide a
ball-lock retainer assembly that includes a retainer housing and an
adapter housing. The retainer housing has an elongated primary
tool-mount opening. The ball-lock retainer assembly has a ball, a
resilient biasing member, and an elongated angled opening. The
adapter housing has an elongated secondary tool-mount opening and
is configured to be mounted on the retainer housing such that the
elongated primary tool-mount opening and the elongated secondary
tool-mount opening are aligned to collectively form a tool-mount
bore.
[0012] One embodiment of the invention provides a ball-lock
retainer assembly that includes a retainer housing and an adapter
housing. In this embodiment, the retainer housing has a front face,
an elongated primary tool-mount opening, and a release opening. The
ball-lock retainer assembly includes a ball, a resilient biasing
member, and an elongated angled opening. The elongated angled
opening intersects, so as to open into, the elongated primary
tool-mount opening. The release opening opens through the front
face of the retainer housing and extends to the elongated angled
opening. The ball and the resilient biasing member are received in
the elongated angled opening. The ball has a locked position and an
unlocked position. The resilient biasing member is positioned to
resiliently bias the ball toward its locked position. When the ball
is in its locked position, the ball projects into the elongated
primary tool-mount opening. The adapter housing includes an
elongated secondary tool-mount opening, a piston, and an automation
actuator. The automation actuator is a hydraulic actuator or a
pneumatic actuator. The adapter housing is mounted on the front
face of the retainer housing such that the elongated primary
tool-mount opening and the elongated secondary tool-mount opening
are aligned to collectively form a tool-mount bore. The piston is
configured to extend through the release opening of the retainer
housing and into the elongated angled opening so as to move the
ball from its locked position to its unlocked position in response
to actuation of the automation actuator.
[0013] Further, the invention provides embodiments wherein a
ball-lock retainer assembly includes a housing with an elongated
tool-mount opening. The ball-lock retainer assembly has a ball and
a resilient biasing member. The ball has a locked position and an
unlocked position. In the present embodiments, the ball-lock
retainer assembly can optionally be adapted for automated unlocking
of the ball, or it can be any type of conventional ball-lock
retainer (which does not have an automated ball-unlock system). The
ball and the resilient biasing member are both received in an
elongated angled opening of the ball-lock retainer assembly. The
elongated angled opening intersects, so as to open into, the
elongated tool-mount opening. The elongated tool-mount opening is
configured to receive a shank of a stamping tool. In the present
embodiments, the ball-lock retainer assembly (or "retainer")
further includes a tool-shank detent adjacent to the elongated
tool-mount opening. In these embodiments, when a stamping tool is
received in the elongated tool-mount opening, the assembly or
retainer is in an unclamped configuration, and the assembly or
retainer is mounted above a workpiece position (so the stamping
tool hangs downwardly), the tool-shank detent prevents the stamping
tool from falling from the assembly or retainer. However, the
embrace of the tool-shank detent on the stamping tool is such that
an operator can still freely pull the stamping tool from the
unclamped assembly or retainer.
[0014] Some embodiments of the invention provide a stamping tool
retainer assembly that includes a retainer, a moveable lock body,
and an automation actuator. In these embodiments, the retainer has
a tool-mount bore configured to receive a shank of a stamping tool.
The moveable lock body has a locked position and an unlocked
position. In the present embodiments, the stamping tool retainer
assembly is configured such that the lock body moves from the
unlocked position to the locked position in response to actuation
of the automation actuator. The automation actuator being a
pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or an electric
actuator.
[0015] Finally, in one group of embodiments, the invention provides
a stamping tool retainer assembly that includes a retainer and a
moveable lock body. In these embodiments, the retainer has a
tool-mount bore configured to receive a shank of a stamping tool.
The moveable lock body has a locked position and an unlocked
position. In the present embodiments, the stamping tool retainer
assembly further includes a tool-shank detent adjacent to the
tool-mount bore.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary ball-lock
retainer housing.
[0017] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the ball-lock retainer
housing of FIG. 1A carrying a stamping tool.
[0018] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the retainer housing of
FIG. 1B taken along line C-C.
[0019] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a ball-lock retainer
assembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention,
with the assembly shown in a clamped configuration.
[0020] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the ball-lock retainer
assembly of FIG. 2A, with the assembly shown in an unclamped
configuration.
[0021] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an adapter housing of the
ball-lock retainer assembly of FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0022] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the adapter housing of
FIG. 3A taken along line B-B.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a piston of the adapter
housing of FIGS. 2A through 3B.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a ball-lock retainer
assembly mounted to a die shoe in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a ball-lock retainer
assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the ball-lock retainer
assembly of FIG. 6.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a piston of the ball-lock
retainer assembly of FIG. 6.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a ball-lock retainer
assembly having a clamp/unclamp indicator in accordance with
certain embodiments of the invention, where the indicator is shown
in a first state.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the ball-lock retainer
assembly of FIG. 9 with the clamp/unclamp indicator shown in a
second state.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a ball-lock retainer
assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
where the retainer assembly is shown in a locked configuration.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the ball-lock retainer
assembly of FIG. 11, where the retainer assembly is shown in an
unlocked configuration.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a ball-lock retainer
assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
where the retainer assembly is shown in a locked configuration.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the ball-lock retainer
assembly of FIG. 13, where the retainer assembly is shown in an
unlocked configuration.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the ball-lock retainer
assembly of FIG. 13.
[0035] FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the ball-lock
retainer assembly of FIG. 13.
[0036] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a stamping system in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a ball-lock retainer
assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention.
[0038] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the ball-lock retainer
assembly of FIG. 18.
[0039] FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stamping
tool retainer assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention.
[0040] FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stamping
tool retainer assembly in accordance with still another embodiment
of the invention.
[0041] FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stamping
tool retainer assembly in accordance with yet another embodiment of
the invention.
[0042] FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stamping
tool retainer assembly in accordance with still another embodiment
of the invention.
[0043] FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stamping
tool retainer assembly in accordance with yet another embodiment of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] The following detailed description is to be read with
reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different
drawings have been given like reference numerals. The drawings,
which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and
are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0045] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a retainer housing 10 that can be
used in some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 1A is a perspective
view of the retainer housing 10. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of
the retainer housing 10 carrying a stamping tool 15. FIG. 1C is a
cross-sectional view (taken along line C-C of FIG. 1B) of the
retainer housing 10 carrying the stamping tool 15.
[0046] The retainer housing 10 is configured to receive and
securely hold a stamping tool 15. The retainer housing preferably
is adapted to be coupled to (e.g., mounted on) a mounting plate,
such as a die shoe of a stamping system. For mounting the retainer
housing 10 onto a die shoe 700 (see FIGS. 5 and 17), the retainer
housing preferably has one or more (e.g., two) mount openings 600
through which one or more (e.g., two) respective mounting bolts 650
can be inserted so as to bolt the retainer housing onto the die
shoe. The retainer housing 10 may also have one or more (e.g., two)
openings 145, 146 through which one or more (e.g., two) respective
locating dowels 660 can be disposed to facilitate the process of
mounting the retainer housing 10 onto the die shoe or other
mounting plate 700. It is to be appreciated that various other
mounting systems, e.g., other fasteners, can alternatively be used
to mount the retainer housing onto a die shoe or another mounting
plate.
[0047] The stamping tool 15 can be, for example, a punch, die, or
pilot. It is to be appreciated that any of a wide variety of known
stamping tools can be used. With respect to stamping punches, the
tip of the punch can have any desired shape, such as round, oval,
square, triangular, U-shaped, C-shaped, X-shaped, multi-lobed,
thread forms, etc. Advantageous stamping tools are available
commercially from Wilson Tool International, of White Bear Lake,
Minn., USA. Skilled artisans are quite familiar with the
configuration and set-up of complimentary punches and dies, as well
as the proper placement and machining of workpieces
therebetween.
[0048] When the stamping tool 15 is retained securely (e.g., held
operably) in the retainer housing 10, the stamping tool is adapted
to perform (in the case of a punch or die) or facilitate (in the
case of a pilot) a processing operation on a workpiece. The
processing operation may be a punching or forming operation (which
cuts, bends, or otherwise deforms the workpiece).
[0049] The workpiece will commonly be a piece of sheet metal, e.g.,
in the form of a coil or sheet. However, other sheet-like materials
can also be used. For example, non-metallic sheets or coils of
various non-metallic materials (such as plastic) may be used. In
some cases, pre-shaped blanks of various materials may be used. If
desired, the workpiece can be a film.
[0050] The retainer housing 10 is adapted to receive, and lockingly
hold (or "clamp"), the stamping tool 15. The retainer housing 10
has an elongated primary tool-mount opening 30. The elongated
primary tool-mount opening 30 is configured to receive a shank 55
of the stamping tool 15. Reference is made to FIGS. 1B and 1C.
Here, the stamping tool 15 is shown mounted in the elongated
primary tool-mount opening 30. This can be done by inserting the
shank 55 of the stamping tool 15 into the elongated primary
tool-mount opening 30 where it opens through the front face 20 of
the retainer housing 10. The ball-lock retainer assembly also
includes an elongated angled opening 35. In the embodiment of FIGS.
1A-1C, the retainer housing 10 defines the elongated angled opening
35. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, a ball-lock insert 825 defines the
elongated angled opening 35. Either way, the elongated angled
opening 35 extends along a longitudinal axis oriented at an angle
(preferably an acute angle) relative to a longitudinal axis of the
elongated primary tool-mount opening 30. This angle may be, for
example, between 10 degrees and 60 degrees, or perhaps more
preferably between about 10 degrees and about 20 degrees, such as
about 11-13 degrees. The elongated angled opening 35 intersects the
elongated primary tool-mount opening 30, such that the angled
opening opens into the primary tool-mount opening, at an
intersection location.
[0051] With reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, the illustrated retainer
housing 10 has a front face 20 (on a first side) and a rear face 25
(on a second side), which is opposite the front face. Thus, the
illustrated retainer housing 10 has opposed front 20 and rear 25
faces, which preferably are parallel to each other.
[0052] In FIGS. 1A-1C, the illustrated retainer housing has a
generally triangular cross-sectional shape. It is to be
appreciated, however, that other retainer shapes can be used, such
as generally square or other generally rectangular shapes. Other
polygonal shapes can also be used. Further, the retainer housing
can be circular, racetrack shaped, or semi-circular, if so desired.
This is the case for the retainer housing, as well as for any
adapter housing, of any embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0053] To enable the stamping tool 15 to be locked in the retainer
housing 10, the retainer housing is provided with a ball lock 40.
One example is shown in FIG. 1C. The ball lock 40 includes a ball
45 and a resilient biasing member 50. The ball 45 will commonly be
formed of metal, such as stainless steel. If desired, the ball 45
in any embodiment of the present disclosure can be replaced with a
rigid plug of another shape, such as a generally bullet-shaped plug
having a semicircular leading end region, or a generally
block-shaped plug having a leading end region configured to mate
with a correspondingly configured recess on the shank of the
tool.
[0054] The resilient biasing member 50 will commonly be a spring.
If desired, however, the resilient biasing member in any embodiment
of the present disclosure can alternatively be provided by a magnet
or pressurized fluid. The resilient biasing member 50 will
typically be a compression spring, such as a helical compression
spring. The spring will commonly be formed of spring steel. The
size of the spring will commonly be the same as that of the ball
45. For example, if the ball has a diameter of 1/2 inch, the spring
preferably is sized to fit within a 1/2 inch bore. The spring
preferably is flared at its trailing end so as to facilitate
wedging, and thereby retaining, the spring in the bottom of the
elongated angled opening (or "retainer ball bore") 35. Once the
spring is mounted in the elongated angled opening 35, an optional
backing plate 840 prevents the spring from coming out of that
opening. Reference is made to FIG. 5. When the resilient biasing
member 50 is a spring, it preferably has a spring force of between
5 and 30 pounds. In some cases, the assembly is provided with two
or more springs, such as a standard spring in combination with an
inner booster spring, a heavy duty spring in combination with an
inner booster spring, or all three springs together.
[0055] The ball 45 and the resilient biasing member 50 are received
in (e.g., housed within) the elongated angled opening 35. In FIG.
1C, the ball 45 is seated on the resilient biasing member 50. In
more detail, the ball 45 is disposed between the resilient biasing
member 50 and the intersection location (i.e., the location where
the elongated angled opening 35 opens into the elongated primary
tool-mount opening 30).
[0056] The ball 45 is moveable between a locked position and an
unlocked position. When in the locked position, the ball 45
projects into the elongated primary tool-mount opening 30. The
resilient biasing member 50 is adapted to resiliently bias the ball
45 toward the locked position. When in the unlocked position, the
ball 45 does not project into (or at least not as far into) the
elongated primary tool-mount opening 30. Instead, the ball 45 when
in the unlocked position preferably is disposed entirely (or at
least substantially entirely) in the elongated angled opening
35.
[0057] Upon inserting the shank 55 of the stamping tool 15 into the
elongated primary tool-mount opening 30, the shank bears against
the ball, thus pushing the ball further into the elongated angled
opening 35 (i.e., generally toward the rear face 25 of the retainer
housing) while overcoming the bias of, and thereby compressing, the
resilient biasing member 50. This moves the ball 45 to its unlocked
position, where it no longer projects into (or at least not
substantially into) the elongated primary tool-mount opening 30.
While inserting the stamping tool 15 into the elongated primary
tool-mount opening 30, due to the bias of the resilient biasing
member 50, the ball 45 continues to bear against the shank 55 of
the tool 15. Thus, as the tool 15 is moved further into the
elongated primary tool-mount opening 30 and reaches its final,
seated position, the ball 45 preferably encounters a recess 60
(e.g., a dimple, which may be generally teardrop shaped) in the
shank 55 of the tool 15. At this point, the bias supplied by the
resilient biasing member 50 moves the ball 45 to the locked
position by urging the ball 45 into engagement with the recess 60
on the shank 55 of the tool 15. This represents the clamped
position of the ball-lock retainer assembly. The stamping tool 15
can thus be fully inserted into the elongated primary tool-mount
opening 30 (i.e., so as to bottom out therein). In its locked
position, the ball 45 acts to hold the tool 15 securely in its
operative position in the retainer housing 10. This is due to an
interference fit between the ball 45, the shank 55 of the tool 15,
the walls that define the elongated primary tool-mount opening 30,
and the walls that define the elongated angled opening 35. The
foregoing description also applies to other embodiments of the
present disclosure. Thus, in the above description where reference
is made to the elongated primary tool-mount opening 30, with
respect to embodiments like those of FIGS. 11-12, 13-16, and 18-19,
the term primary tool-mount opening is to be understood to
apply/refer to the "tool-mount bore" or "tool-mount opening" of
such other embodiments.
[0058] The stamping tool 15 can thus be held removably in the
retainer housing 10. To remove the stamping tool 15 from the
retainer housing 10, first, the ball 45 is moved from its locked
position to its unlocked position. This represents the unclamped
configuration of the ball-lock retainer assembly. In the
embodiments illustrated, to move the ball 45 to its unlocked
position, the bias of the resilient biasing member 50 must be
overcome. By overcoming the bias of the resilient biasing member
50, the ball 45 can be moved from its locked position (in which the
ball projects into the elongated primary tool-mount opening 30) to
its unlocked position (in which the ball preferably is received
entirely, or at least substantially entirely, within the elongated
angled opening 35, so as not to project into the elongated primary
tool-mount opening, or at least not significantly).
[0059] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, to facilitate unclamping
the stamping tool 15, the retainer housing 10 has a release opening
65. This release opening 65 opens through the front face 20 of the
retainer housing 10 at one end, and extends from there to the
elongated angled opening 35 (where the ball 45 is located) at
another end. Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, the
illustrated release opening 65 extends from the front face 20 of
the retainer housing 10 to the elongated angled opening 35.
Similarly, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the illustrated release
opening 65 extends from the front face of the ball-lock insert 825
to the elongated angled opening 35. In both of these embodiments,
the illustrated release opening 35 extends along an axis parallel
to the longitudinal axis of the elongated primary tool-mount
opening 30. However, the release opening can alternatively be
configured to extend along an axis oriented at an acute angle
relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated primary
tool-mount opening. Moreover, there can optionally be one release
opening that is parallel to the elongated primary tool-mount
opening and another that is oriented at an acute angle relative to
the longitudinal axis of the elongated primary tool-mount
opening.
[0060] FIGS. 2A and 2B depict one embodiment of a ball-lock
retainer assembly wherein an adapter housing 110 is coupled with a
retainer housing 10. The adapter housing 110 is mounted removably
on the retainer housing 10. The illustrated adapter housing 110 has
a front face 115 on a first side and a rear face 120 (shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B) on a second side, which is opposite the first
side. The front 115 and rear 120 faces preferably are parallel to
each other. In the embodiment illustrated, when the adapter housing
110 is mounted to the retainer housing 10, the rear face 120 of the
adapter housing 110 is carried against the front face 20 of the
retainer housing 10.
[0061] Preferably, the retainer housing 10 is in the form a first
block, and the adapter housing 110 is in the form of a second
block. While not required, it will commonly be the case that the
first and second blocks have matching exterior side perimeter
shapes. In such cases, when the adapter housing 110 is mounted to
the retainer housing 10, the first and second blocks coincide about
a perimeter to form a substantially continuous exterior profile
shape along the entire height of the mounted (e.g., stacked)
housings.
[0062] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the adapter housing 110
of FIGS. 2A and 2B in isolation, and FIG. 3B shows a
cross-sectional view of the adapter housing 110 taken along line
B-B in FIG. 3A. The illustrated adapter housing 110 has an
elongated secondary tool-mount opening 125. When the adapter
housing 110 is operatively coupled with (e.g., mounted on) the
retainer housing 10, the elongated secondary tool-mount opening 125
is aligned with the elongated primary tool-mount opening 30 of the
retainer housing 10 so as to collectively form a single elongated
tool-mount bore (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). The resulting tool-mount
bore is thus configured to receive the shank 55 of a stamping tool
15. For example, in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the shank 55 of a stamping
tool 15 is received in both the elongated primary tool-mount
opening 30 and the elongated secondary tool-mount opening 125.
Thus, in the assembled configuration, the longitudinal axis of the
elongated primary tool-mount opening 30 coincides (i.e., is
coaxial, or at least substantially coaxial) with the longitudinal
axis of the elongated secondary tool-mount opening 125.
[0063] To facilitate mounting the adapter housing 110 on the
retainer housing 10 removably, the adapter housing preferably has
an elongated mount opening (e.g., bore) 135 that opens through the
rear face 120 of the adapter housing. The mount opening 135
preferably also opens through the front face 115 of the adapter
housing 110, such that it extends between the front and rear faces
of the adapter housing. The illustrated mount opening 135 is
defined by a non-threaded (e.g., smooth) bore, although it can
alternatively be threaded along some or all of its length. The
mount opening 135 is configured to receive a fastener (e.g., an
externally threaded bolt) 140 so as to removably secure the adapter
housing 110 to the retainer housing 10.
[0064] The illustrated fastener 140 attaches the adapter housing
110 to the retainer housing 10 by extending from the mount opening
135 in the adapter housing to a corresponding mount opening 145 in
the retainer housing 10 (see FIG. 1A). The mount opening 145 in the
retainer housing 10 preferably is internally threaded (see FIG. 1B)
along at least some of its length, e.g., so as to be configured to
threadingly receive exteriorly threaded fastener 140. If desired, a
plurality of fasteners can be provided to connect the adapter
housing to the retainer housing. More generally, any suitable
connection system can be used to releasably mount the adapter
housing onto the retainer housing. While the illustrated connection
is releasable, other embodiments involve mounting the adapter
housing onto the retainer housing permanently.
[0065] Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the adapter
housing 110 and the retainer housing 10 each have a tool-mount
opening 30, 125 and a fastener-mount opening 145, 135. These
openings are positioned such that when the adapter housing 110 is
operatively assembled onto the retainer housing 10: (a) the
tool-mount opening 125 of the adapter housing is aligned with the
tool-mount opening 30 of the retainer housing, and (b) the
fastener-mount opening 135 of the adapter housing is aligned with
the fastener-mount opening 145 of the retainer housing. As noted
above, there can optionally be one or more additional
fastener-mount openings to connect the adapter housing and the
retainer housing. Further, the fastener mount openings can be
provided at various different locations. Still further, other
releasable or permanent connections systems can alternatively be
used.
[0066] The ball-lock retainer assembly preferably has an automation
actuator 500, which is operable to unclamp a stamping tool 15 held
by the ball lock 40 (e.g., by moving the ball 45 from its locked
position to its unlocked position). Thus, the ball-lock retainer
assembly preferably is configured such that the ball moves from its
locked position to its unlocked position in response to actuation
of the automation actuator. The automation actuator 500 is a
hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or an electric actuator.
As noted above, in some embodiments, the ball-lock retainer
assembly comprises a piston 150. In such cases, the ball 45 and the
piston 150 are operatively coupled such that when the piston is in
a first position (e.g., a retracted position) the ball is in its
locked position, and when the piston is in a second position (e.g.,
an extended position) the ball is in its unlocked position. Thus,
when provided, the piston 150 is configured to move the ball 45
from its locked position to its unlocked position, e.g., in
response to actuation of the automation actuator 500.
[0067] In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-3B, the adapter housing 110
has (e.g., carries, or is otherwise equipped with components of)
the automation actuator 500. In embodiments where the automation
actuator 500 is a hydraulic actuator or a pneumatic actuator, the
adapter housing 110 includes a fluid intake port 155 and a fluid
manifold 165. Reference is made to FIGS. 2A-3B. In some cases, the
adapter housing 110 also includes a fluid output port 160. The
piston 150 preferably is exposed to the fluid manifold 165.
[0068] In some cases, the adapter housing has formed therein a
piston opening 151 that opens through the rear face 120 of the
adapter housing 110. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-3B, the
illustrated piston 150 is received in (e.g., mounted for back and
forth movement within) the piston opening 151, which in these
figures is defined by the adapter housing 110. In the embodiment of
FIGS. 2A-3B, the piston opening 151 opens through the rear face 120
of the adapter housing 110. Further, the illustrated retainer
housing 10 and adapter housing 110 are configured such that when
the adapter housing is mounted operably on the retainer housing the
release opening 65 of the retainer housing is open to the piston
opening 151 of the adapter housing.
[0069] The fluid manifold 165 is in fluid communication with the
fluid intake port 155, which is configured to receive pressurized
fluid from a source of hydraulic or pneumatic fluid. In some cases,
pressurized fluid is conveyed through the fluid manifold 165 and
out of the adapter housing 110 via an optional fluid output port
160 (see FIGS. 9, 10, and 17), which when provided is in fluid
communication with the fluid manifold 165. In more detail, the
fluid manifold 165 is in communication with the piston 150 such
that the piston is exposed to fluid in the fluid manifold 165.
Thus, pressurized fluid delivered into the fluid manifold 165 can
deliver to the piston 150 a force that moves the piston from a
retracted position to an extended position.
[0070] It can thus be appreciated that the illustrated piston 150
is mounted within the adapter housing 110 for movement along a
second longitudinal axis, which is spaced from (and can optionally
be parallel to) the first longitudinal axis of the tool-mount bore
130. Moving the piston 150 to its extended position unlocks a
stamping tool 15 mounted operatively in the tool-mount bore of the
ball-lock retainer assembly.
[0071] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one non-limiting piston
design. Here, the piston 150 comprises a base member 170 and an
engagement surface 190. The illustrated base member 170 comprises a
plate 175, which defines a first face 180 on a first side and a
second face 185 on a second side opposite the first side. The plate
175 preferably has a rounded exterior side perimeter shape. In the
illustrated example, the plate 175 has a kidney-bean shape. This,
however, is by no means required. In other embodiments, the plate
can have a variety of different geometries, such as a crescent
shape, C-shape, circular shape, or an oval shape. In FIGS. 2A and
2B, the first face 180 of the illustrated base member 170 (which
may or may not comprise a plate) faces away from the retainer
housing 10, while the second face 185 faces toward the retainer
housing 10. The first face 180 is open to the fluid manifold 165,
and thus is exposed to fluid in the fluid manifold 165. As a
result, when enough pressurized fluid is in the fluid manifold 165,
that fluid acts on the first face 180 of the base member 170 so as
to move the piston 150 from its retracted position (shown in FIG.
2A) to its extended position (shown in FIG. 2B).
[0072] A body or wall defining the engagement surface 190 of the
piston 150 is configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to be inserted
into and/or through the release opening 65. In the exemplary piston
design shown in FIG. 4, the piston 150 comprises an elongated pin
195, a leading end of which defines the engagement surface 190. The
illustrated pin 195 is elongated along, and mounted for movement
along, the second longitudinal axis, which preferably is spaced
from (and optionally parallel to) the first longitudinal axis of
the tool-mount bore. The elongated pin 195 projects from the second
face 185 of the illustrated base member 170. In other embodiments,
the engagement surface 190 can be defined by a piston of various
other geometries. For example, in certain other embodiments, the
piston 150 comprises an angled wedge surface that serves as the
engagement surface 190. More will be said of this later.
[0073] When provided, the piston 150 is configured to move from its
retracted position to its extended position so as to unclamp the
stamping tool 15 from the ball-lock retainer assembly 105. As noted
above, the retainer housing 10 includes a ball lock 40 having a
ball 45 and a resilient biasing member 50. The piston 150 is
configured to move the ball 45 from its locked position to its
unlocked position in response to actuation of the automation
actuator 500. When the piston 150 is in its retracted position, the
resilient biasing member 50 holds the ball 45 in the locked
position. When the piston 150 moves to its extended position, it
pushes the ball 45 to the unlocked position, in the process
overcoming the bias of the resilient biasing member 50.
[0074] In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B, pressurized fluid is
delivered into the fluid manifold 165 of the adapter housing 110
and acts on the piston 150. The piston 150 is configured to move
from its retracted position to its extended position is response to
such delivery of pressurized fluid into the fluid manifold 165. As
the piston 150 is moved to its extended position in response to
actuation of the automation actuator 500, at least a portion of the
piston extends though the release opening 65 and into the elongated
angled opening 35. During movement of the piston 150 into (or
further into) the elongated angled opening 35, the ball 45 is
pushed from its locked position to its unlocked position. In more
detail, the engagement surface 190 of the piston 150 bears against
the ball 45, which is thereby made to overcome the bias of, and
compress, the resilient biasing member 50. Thus, the engagement
surface 190 pushes the ball 45 further back into the elongated
angled opening 35 to its unlocked position, thereby unclamping the
stamping tool 15 and allowing it to be removed from the ball-lock
retainer assembly 105.
[0075] FIGS. 6-8 depict an embodiment of the invention wherein the
ball-lock retainer assembly has an automation actuator 500 that is
a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. Here, the ball-lock retainer
assembly includes a piston 150 that is located between, and exposed
to, separate first 165 and second 167 fluid manifolds. In this
embodiment, the ball-lock retainer preferably is adapted such that
pressurized fluid flow can be controlled independently to each of
the two fluid manifolds 165, 167. The specific details of FIGS. 6-8
are not limiting. Rather, the present embodiments extends to any
ball-lock retainer assembly having a hydraulic or pneumatic
actuator and a piston that is located between, and exposed to,
separate first and second fluid manifolds.
[0076] The present embodiment is advantageous in that it is not
necessary to rely (or at least not solely) on a resilient biasing
member to return the piston 150 to its retracted position. Instead,
fluid can be delivered to the second manifold 167 at a pressure
sufficient to move the piston 150 back to its retracted position.
This way, even if the piston 150 were to somehow get cocked or
otherwise stuck in an extended position, the second manifold 167
can be flooded with pressurized fluid so as to force the piston
back to its retracted position.
[0077] In more detail, in the present embodiment, in response to
delivering pressurized fluid into the first fluid manifold 165 at a
pressure that provides a force on the first side (e.g., face 180)
of the piston 150 that is greater than the total,
oppositely-directed force on the second side (e.g., face 185) of
the piston (such total force may include both force from the
resilient biasing member 15 and force from fluid in the second
manifold 167), the piston moves in a first direction (e.g., toward
the retainer housing 10). This movement of the piston 150 causes
its engagement surface 190 to bear against the ball 45, thereby
moving the ball further into the elongated angled opening 35 (in
the process, overcoming the bias of the resilient biasing member).
The ball 45 is thus moved from its locked position to its unlocked
position.
[0078] When it is subsequently desired to move the ball 45 back to
its locked position, pressure in the first fluid manifold 165 is
reduced, such that the total force on the second side (e.g., face
185) of the piston exceeds the oppositely-directed force on the
first side (e.g., face 180) of the piston. This will normally
result in the resilient biasing member 50 pushing the ball 45 back
to its locked position. When this happens, the ball 45 bears
against the piston 150 so as to move it back to its retracted
position.
[0079] As noted above, the second manifold 167 can serve as a means
for dealing with the piston 150 inadvertently becoming cocked or
otherwise stuck in an extended position. Thus, when it is desired
to move the piston 150 to its retracted position, the second
manifold 167 can optionally be flooded with pressurized fluid so as
to force the piston back to its retracted position. In more detail,
in response to delivering pressurized fluid into the second fluid
manifold 167 at a pressure that results in the total force on the
second side (e.g., face 185) of the piston 150 that is greater than
the force placed on the first side (e.g., face 180) by fluid in the
first manifold 165, the piston moves in a second direction (e.g.,
away the retainer housing 10). This movement of the piston 150 back
to its retracted position allows the ball 45 to be moved back to
its locked position by the bias of the resilient biasing member
50.
[0080] In FIGS. 6-8, the second face 185 of the piston 150 has a
groove 181 formed therein. In other cases, the groove is omitted
and the second manifold 167 is simply located adjacent to the
second side of the piston. As shown in FIG. 7, the illustrated
adapter housing 110 includes a fluid intake port 155 from which
extends a fluid line 182 that is in fluid communication with the
second manifold 167. Fluid intake port 155 and fluid line 182 are
configured to deliver pressurized fluid selectively to the second
manifold 167 (but not to the first manifold). A separate fluid
intake port is configured to deliver pressurized fluid selectively
to the first manifold (but not to the second manifold). Thus, the
fluid pressure in the first manifold can be controlled
independently of the fluid pressure in the second manifold.
[0081] As with embodiment of FIGS. 2A-3B, in FIGS. 6-8 the ball 45
and the piston 150 are operatively coupled such that when the
piston is in a first position (e.g., a retracted position) the ball
is in its locked position, and when the piston is in a second
position (e.g., an extended position) the ball is in its unlocked
position. Thus, the piston 150 is configured to move the ball 45
from its locked position to its unlocked position, e.g., in
response to actuation of the automation actuator 500.
[0082] An adapter housing of the nature described above with
reference to FIG. 2A-3B or 6-8 can optionally be used with a
retainer housing equipped with a removable ball-lock insert.
Reference is made to FIG. 5. The ball-lock insert 825 can be of the
nature described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,635, the teachings of which
are incorporated herein by reference. Advantageous ball-lock
inserts of this nature are commercially available from Wilson Tool
International, of White Bear Lake, Minn., USA.
[0083] In embodiments involving a retainer housing 10 with a
removable ball-lock insert 825, the ball-lock assembly 105
comprises an adapter housing 110 mounted on the retainer housing
10, and the adapter housing preferably is equipped with a piston
150 that extends into a release opening 65 (e.g., defined by the
insert 825) so as to contact (or at least be engageable with) the
ball 45 in the elongated angled interior opening 35 (which may also
be defined by the insert 825). The assembly and interaction
(including the structure, functionality, different positions and
configurations, etc.) of the adapter housing 110, the piston 150,
the elongated angled interior opening 35, the ball-lock 40
(including the ball 45 and the resilient biasing member 50), the
stamping tool 15, the tool-mount bore or opening(s), etc.
preferably are of the nature described above. The details of the
preferred ball-lock insert 825, and the manner in which it can be
mounted removably in the retainer housing 10, are described in the
above-noted '635 patent. However, the ball-lock insert in the
present embodiments can alternatively be of any other known
ball-lock insert type.
[0084] In FIG. 5, a backing plate 840 is secured releasably to the
rear surface 25 of the retainer housing 10, such that when the
retainer housing is mounted onto a die shoe or another type of
mounting plate 700, the backing plate is sandwiched between the
retainer housing and the die shoe or other mounting plate. As with
other embodiments involving a piston, the piston 150 of FIG. 5
preferably is provided with an O-ring 158 about its perimeter.
[0085] As noted above, some embodiments involve the automation
actuator 500 being a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. In other
embodiments, however, the automation actuator 500 is an electric
actuator. In such embodiments, the electric actuator is configured
to provide a force that moves the ball 45 from its locked position
to its unlocked position. Preferably, the electric actuator
comprises a motor, e.g., an AC motor or a DC motor. Thus, the
invention provides embodiments wherein the ball-lock retainer
assembly includes a motor. When provided, the electric actuator may
comprise a linear actuator or a solenoid. In some cases, it
comprises an electronic solenoid. Thus, the automated unclamping of
a stamping tool from the ball-lock retainer assembly can optionally
be initiated by an electric actuator, which when provided
preferably comprises a motor.
[0086] FIGS. 18 and 19 depict one embodiment of a ball-lock
retainer assembly that has an electric actuator. Here, the electric
actuator comprises a motor 1000, e.g., an AC motor or a DC motor.
In FIGS. 18 and 19, the electric actuator comprises a rotatable
shaft 1100 to which a cable 950 is anchored at a first end. The
illustrated cable 950 has a second end to which the ball 45 is
anchored. The resilient biasing member 50 resiliently biases the
ball 45 toward its locked position. The motor 1000 is adapted to
rotate the shaft 1100 so as to wind the cable 950 around the shaft,
thereby pulling the ball 45 to its unlocked position (and in the
process, overcoming the bias of the resilient biasing member). The
motor is also adapted to subsequently rotate the shaft 1100 in an
opposite direction, so as to unwind a length of the cable from the
shaft, thereby allowing the resilient biasing member 50 to push the
ball back to its locked position. It is to be appreciated that this
is merely one example of an electric actuator system. A variety of
other electric actuator systems can alternatively be used in the
present embodiments.
[0087] The ball-lock retainer assembly of any embodiment of the
present disclosure can optionally include a clamp/unclamp
indicator. When provided, the clamp/unclamp indicator allows an
operator to visually inspect the ball-lock retainer assembly to
assess whether it may be in a clamped (or "locked") or unclamped
(or "unlocked") state. In the non-limiting example of FIGS. 9 and
10, the clamp/unclamp indicator allows an operator to visually
inspect a ball-lock retainer assembly to determine the position
(e.g., retracted versus extended) of a piston 150 thereof. Thus, an
operator can quickly (e.g., without any disassembly) assess whether
the ball-lock retainer assembly appears to be in a clamped state or
an unclamped state.
[0088] FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of an adapter housing
110 having a clamp/unclamp indicator 305 in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention. The illustrated clamp/unclamp
indicator 305 comprises a body 310 (such as a pin or another
component) that is moveable between first and second positions.
When in the first position (shown in FIG. 10), the moveable body
310 projects outwardly from the adapter housing 110. In some cases,
when the moveable body 310 is in its second position, it is
substantially flush with an exterior surface of the adapter housing
110 (shown in FIG. 9). In other cases, the moveable body when in
its second position is retracted into 9 (or further into) a bore or
other opening defined by the adapter housing 110. In still other
cases, the moveable body projects outwardly from the adapter
housing regardless of whether the moveable body is in its first or
second position, but it projects further when in the first position
than when in the second position. If desired, the moveable body can
have color coded regions that correspond with it being in either
the first or second position. Or, there may be text, numbers, or
other indicia on the moveable body that enable an operator to
readily ascertain which position the moveable body 310 is in, and
hence what position (i.e., locked or unlocked) the piston 150 is
in, at any given time.
[0089] Thus, the indicator 305 preferably has first and second
states, which provide visually-perceptible indications as to
whether an associated ball-lock retainer assembly is in a clamped
or unclamped configuration and/or whether a piston 150 thereof is
in a retracted or extended position. When the ball-lock retainer
assembly is in its clamped configuration, a stamping tool received
therein is locked in an operative position. When the ball-lock
retainer assembly is in its unclamped configuration, a stamping
tool received therein is unlocked, and thus can be readily
removed.
[0090] In some cases, the indicator 305 will be in its first state
when the ball-lock retainer assembly is in the unclamped
configuration. FIG. 10 shows the indicator 305 in its first state,
which involves the moveable body 310 projecting outwardly from the
housing 315. Thus, the illustrated indicator 305 when in the first
state provides a visually perceptible indication that the ball-lock
retainer assembly is in the unclamped configuration by virtue of
the projection of the moveable body 310. This visually-perceptible
indication can convey to an operator that the associated stamping
tool is unlocked and able to be removed.
[0091] With continued reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and
10, the illustrated indicator 305 will be in its second state when
an associated ball-lock retainer assembly is in the clamped
configuration. FIG. 9 shows the indicator 305 in its second state,
which involves the moveable body 310 being retracted so as to be
either inside the housing 315 or substantially flush with its
exterior surface. Thus, the illustrated indicator 305 is in its
second state, and thus provides a visually-perceptible indication
by virtue of the retraction of the moveable body 310, when the
ball-lock retainer assembly 300 is in the clamped configuration.
Such a visually-perceptible indication can convey to an operator
that the associated stamping tool is locked and ready for use.
[0092] While the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 involves the
moveable body 310 projecting from the housing 110 when the
ball-lock retainer assembly is in the unclamped configuration (and
being retracted inside the housing when the ball-lock retainer
assembly is in the clamped configuration), this is not required.
For example, other embodiments involve a moveable body projecting
from a housing of a ball-lock retainer assembly when the assembly
is in the clamped configuration, and being retracted inside the
housing when the ball-lock retainer assembly is in the unclamped
configuration.
[0093] Further, the housing shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is an adapter
housing 110, e.g., of the nature described above relative to FIG.
2A-3B or 6-8. However, an optional clamp/unclamp indicator can also
be provided on a ball-lock retainer assembly of the type shown in
FIG. 5, of the type shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, of the type shown in
FIGS. 13-16, or of the type shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.
[0094] As will now be appreciated, the invention provides certain
embodiments that involve an adapter housing 110 mounted to a
retainer housing 10. These embodiments may be advantageous when an
existing stamping system is to be retrofitted so as to benefit from
the automated tool unclamping functionality provided by the present
invention. However, in other embodiments, the automation actuator
is incorporated into a retainer housing, as will now be
described.
[0095] One such embodiment of a ball-lock retainer assembly 250 is
shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. These figures are cross-sectional views
of the ball-lock retainer assembly 250 in clamped and unclamped
configurations, respectively. In the clamped configuration, the
stamping tool 15 is locked in place by the ball-lock retainer
assembly 250, whereas in the unclamped configuration the stamping
tool is unlocked, and thus can be readily removed from the
ball-lock retainer assembly. In this embodiment, the retainer
housing 10 itself has (e.g., is equipped with) components for
conducting the automated unlocking of a stamping tool.
[0096] In FIGS. 11 and 12, the retainer housing 10 has a front face
255 on a first side and a rear face 260 on a second side, which is
opposite the first side. The illustrated retainer housing 10
comprises a retainer block 252 that defines both the front 255 and
rear 260 faces. This can optionally be the case in any embodiment
of the present disclosure. The retainer housing 10 has (e.g., a
block 252 thereof defines) an elongated tool-mount bore 265 that
extends along a first longitudinal axis and is adapted to receive
the shank 55 of a stamping tool 15. The tool-mount bore 265 extends
from the front face 255 of the retainer housing 10 toward the rear
face 260 of the retainer housing. The tool-mount bore 265 has
geometry suitable for snugly receiving the shank 55 of the stamping
tool 15. The illustrated tool-mount bore 265, for example, has a
cylindrical configuration. This, however, is not strictly required.
To the contrary, the shank 55 of the stamping tool 15 (and the
corresponding tool-mount opening) in any embodiment of the present
disclosure can alternatively have a square cross-sectional
configuration, or any other desired shape.
[0097] In the present embodiment, the retainer housing 10 also has
(e.g., a block 252 thereof defines) an elongated angled opening 35,
which extends at an angle (e.g., an acute angle) relative to the
first longitudinal axis of the tool-mount bore 265. The elongated
angled opening 35 intersects, so as to open into, the tool-mount
bore 265. Thus, the elongated angled opening 35 intersects the
tool-mount bore 265 at an intersection location. As with the
embodiments described above, ball-lock retainer assembly 250
includes a ball lock 40, which comprises a ball 45 and a resilient
biasing member 50. The ball 45 and the resilient biasing member 50
are both disposed in the elongated angled opening 35. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, the ball-lock and its components can
advantageously be of the nature described above with respect to any
of FIGS. 1A-5.
[0098] In FIG. 11, the ball 45 is in its locked position. As noted
above, when in its locked position, the ball 45 projects into the
tool-mount bore 265 so as to engage the shank 55 of the stamping
tool 15 (preferably so as to engage a recess 60 on the shank). The
ball 45 is biased toward its locked position by the resilient
biasing member 50. Thus, when the ball 45 is in its locked
position, the stamping tool 15 is locked in place (i.e., clamped)
and is thus ready to perform a processing operation (e.g., a
punching or forming operation) on a work piece.
[0099] Ball-lock retainer assembly 250 enables automated unlocking
of the stamping tool 15. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the ball-lock retainer
assembly 250 has an automation actuator 500 and a piston 150. The
piston 150 is configured to move the ball 45 from its locked
position (see FIG. 11) to its unlocked position (see FIG. 12) in
response to actuation of the automation actuator 500.
[0100] The automation actuator 500 is a hydraulic actuator, a
pneumatic actuator, or an electric actuator. In FIGS. 11 and 12,
the automation actuator 500 is shown as a hydraulic or pneumatic
actuator that includes a fluid intake port 280. The fluid intake
port 280 is configured to receive fluid (e.g., pressurized fluid)
from a pressurized fluid supply and to deliver that fluid into a
fluid manifold 282 (see FIG. 12). The fluid manifold 282 preferably
is inside (e.g., bounded by) the retainer housing 10 (e.g., a
retainer block 252 thereof). The piston 150 is exposed to the fluid
manifold 282. As a result, pressurized fluid in the fluid manifold
282 can act on the piston 150 by delivering a force that moves the
piston from a retracted position to an extended position.
[0101] When the piston 150 is in its retracted position, the
resilient biasing member 50 retains the ball 45 in the locked
position (see FIG. 11). When the piston 150 is in its extended
position, the piston retains the ball 45 in the unlocked position
(see FIG. 12).
[0102] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the piston 150 has an
engagement surface 190. In the present embodiment, the engagement
surface 190 is an angled wedge surface. In more detail, this angled
wedge surface is defined by the leading end of the piston 150. The
illustrated piston 150 has a generally cylindrical configuration.
It is to be appreciated, however, that the piston 150 can take a
variety of other forms.
[0103] In the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, the piston 150 is
mounted for movement along a longitudinal axis that is crosswise
(e.g., perpendicular) to the first longitudinal axis of the
tool-mount bore 265.
[0104] As noted above, actuation of the automation actuator 500 can
causes the piston 150 to move from its retracted position to its
extended position. In more detail, when the automation actuator 500
is actuated, fluid from the fluid intake port 280 enters the fluid
manifold 282 and forces the piston 150 to move to its extended
position. The engagement surface 190 of the piston 150 bears
against (e.g., cams with) the ball 45 so as to overcome the bias of
the resilient biasing member 50. This causes the ball 45 to move
from its locked position (in which the ball projects into the
tool-mount bore 265) to its unlocked position (in which the ball is
housed at least substantially entirely within elongated angled
opening 35). Thus, when the piston 150 is in its extended position,
the piston bears against the ball 45 so as to keep the ball in the
unlocked position.
[0105] A plurality of ball-lock retainer assemblies 250 can be
connected (optionally in series) by actuation lines to form a
stamping system. In such a system, the fluid intake ports 280 of
the ball-lock retainer assemblies 250 can be in communication with
pressurized fluid lines configured to deliver pressurized fluid
(e.g., hydraulic fluid or air) to all the ball-lock retainer
assemblies 250.
[0106] In any embodiment of the present disclosure, the ball-lock
retainer assembly can optionally include a tool-shank detent. When
provided, the tool-shank detent 31 is positioned to bear against
the shank 55 of the stamping tool 15 when the tool is positioned in
a tool-mount bore of the ball-lock retainer assembly. The
tool-shank detent 31 can be a resilient body positioned to contact
the shank 55 of the stamping tool 15 when the tool is received in a
tool-mount bore of the ball-lock retainer assembly. In the
embodiments of FIGS. 2A-3B, 6-7, 9-10, 11-12, 13-16, and 18-19, the
tool-shank detent 31 is an O-ring. The tool-shank detent can
alternatively be a single body of resilient material (e.g., rubber)
that does not extend entirely about the shank of the tool. In other
cases, a plurality of spaced-apart resilient bodies may be used.
When provided, the tool-shank detent 31 is configured to prevent a
stamping tool 15 from falling out of the tool-mount bore when the
ball 45 is in its unlocked position. Due to the configuration and
material of the tool-shank detent 31, friction between it and the
shank 55 of the stamping tool 15 prevents the tool from falling
from the ball-lock retainer assembly when mounted above the
workpiece position (i.e., such that the tool points downwardly when
operatively mounted). Preferably, the friction is slight, i.e.,
sufficiently low that an operator can readily pull the stamping
tool from the tool-mount bore (when the assembly is unclamped), in
the process overcoming the friction force. Thus, the invention
extends to any ball-lock retainer assembly (whether or not it has
any automated unlocking system or feature) that includes a
tool-shank detent 31. More will be said of this later.
[0107] Thus, the invention provides different embodiments that
enable automated unlocking of a stamping tool from an associated
ball-lock retainer assembly. This obviates the need for operators
to interface with each retainer individually by manually unlocking
each associated tool using a hand-held unlocking tool. Instead, an
operator can unlock a stamping tool (or a plurality of stamping
tools) by simply initiating an automated unlocking operation.
[0108] FIGS. 13-16 depict another embodiment of a ball-lock
retainer assembly 350 comprising a ball 45, a resilient biasing
member 50, a piston 150, and an automation actuator 500. The ball
45 has a locked position and an unlocked position. The piston 150
is configured to move the ball 45 from its locked position to its
unlocked position in response to actuation of the automation
actuator 500.
[0109] In the embodiment of FIGS. 13-16, the illustrated ball-lock
retainer assembly 350 has a cable 950 extending between, and
connecting, the ball 45 and the piston 150. In more detail, the
illustrated cable 950 has one end anchored to the ball 45 and
another end anchored to the piston 150. The assembly is configured
such that the cable 950 pulls the ball 45 to its unlocked position
in response to movement of the piston 150 from its retracted
position to its extended position.
[0110] The cable 950 can be a monofilament line (e.g., a wire), a
cord comprising multiple strands, or any other line of appropriate
strength, diameter, and length. In some cases, the cable 950 is
formed of metal. It can optionally be a single-strand wire or a
stranded wire, such as a braided wire. The cable preferably has
minimal stretch, is flexible enough to freely bend 90 degrees, and
does not break or fray after continued use. If desired, the cable
can be formed of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. The
cable 950 can optionally have a diameter of between 0.030 and 0.060
inch.
[0111] If desired, the cable 950 can be configured to roll on
bearings (rather than simply sliding along a groove, as
illustrated). Such bearings may reduce the wear of the cable. FIG.
19 shows one embodiment wherein a cable 950 configured to roll on
bearings 995. Bearings of this nature can optionally be
incorporated into the embodiment of FIGS. 13-16.
[0112] In the embodiment of FIGS. 13-16, the automation actuator
500 preferably is a hydraulic actuator or a pneumatic actuator. The
illustrated ball-lock retainer assembly 350 has a fluid manifold
910 to which the piston 150 is exposed, e.g., such that the piston
moves from a retracted position to an extended position in response
to pressurized fluid delivery into the fluid manifold. Thus, by
delivering pressurized fluid into the fluid manifold 910, the
piston 150 can be moved to its extended position. As the piston 150
moves to its extended position, the cable 950 pulls the ball 45
from its locked position to its unlocked position, in the process
overcoming the bias of, and compressing, the resilient biasing
member 50. If desired, the fluid pressure within the manifold 910
can be maintained until it is desired to move to the ball 45 to its
locked position. At this point, the fluid pressure in the manifold
910 can be reduced, which in some cases may enable the bias of the
resilient biasing member 50 to push the ball back to its locked
position. In other cases, it may be necessary to deliver
pressurized fluid into a second manifold 920 to enable the bias of
the resilient biasing member 50 (together with force on the piston
from pressurized fluid in the second manifold) to push the ball
back to its locked position
[0113] In FIGS. 13-16, the ball-lock retainer assembly 350 includes
an optional magnet 900. When provided, the magnet 900 is configured
to releasably retain the piston 150 in its extended position. The
illustrated piston 150 carries the magnet 900. Another option is to
provide the magnet, not on the piston, but on wall 970. Either way,
when the piston 150 is in its retracted position and pressurized
fluid bears against it so as to move the piston to its extended
position, the piston upon reaching its extended position is
retained in that position releasably by the magnet. Thus, the
ball-lock retainer assembly 350 can optionally comprise a magnet
configured to releasably retain the piston 150 in its extended
position.
[0114] In FIGS. 13-16, the illustrated ball-lock retainer assembly
350 has first 910 and second 920 fluid manifolds located on
opposite sides of the piston 150. The second fluid manifold 920 is
configured such that, when the piston 150 is releasably retained by
the magnet 900 and pressurized fluid is delivered to the second
fluid manifold, that pressurized fluid bears against the piston and
separates it from the magnet. The combination of: (1) force from
that pressurized fluid bearing against the piston, and (2) force
from the resilient biasing member 50 bearing against the ball 45,
moves the ball to its locked position. This is perhaps best
appreciated by comparing FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0115] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a stamping system 100 configured to provide automated unlocking of
a plurality of stamping tools 15. The system 100 includes a series
of ball-lock retainer assemblies 105. Each of these ball-lock
retainer assemblies 105 includes an automation actuator 500. In the
embodiment of FIG. 17, the automation actuator 500 is a hydraulic
actuator or a pneumatic actuator. Each of the illustrated ball-lock
retainer assemblies 105 is equipped to provide automated unlocking
of a stamping tool 15 held thereby in response to actuation of an
associated automation actuator 500. Thus, the present system 100
provides for a plurality of stamping tools 15 to be automatically
unlocked at substantially the same time, and thereby allow for
efficient removal of such stamping tools, e.g., to sharpen or
replace them.
[0116] To provide automated unlocking of a plurality of stamping
tools 15 (e.g., at substantially the same time), the stamping
system 100 of FIG. 17 includes a plurality of ball-lock retainer
assemblies 105 connected by actuation lines 205. In FIG. 17, all of
the ball-lock retainer assemblies 105 are mounted to a mounting
plate (which may be a die shoe) 700. The illustrated ball-lock
retainer assemblies 105 are connected in series by a plurality of
pressurized fluid lines 205.
[0117] In FIG. 17, each of the illustrated ball-lock retainer
assemblies 105 includes both a retainer housing 10 and an adapter
housing 110, and the adapter housing is equipped with (e.g.,
carries) components of the automation actuator 500. These
particular ball-lock retainer assemblies 105 can, for example, be
in accordance with the embodiments described above relative to FIG.
2A-3B, 6-7, or 8-9. However, in other embodiments where a plurality
of stamping tools 15 are adapted to be unclamped simultaneously (or
at least substantially simultaneously), the ball-lock retainer
assemblies can be in accordance with any other embodiment of the
present disclosure. As one example, a plurality of ball-lock
retainer assemblies 250 in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS.
11 and 12 can be connected by actuation lines. As another example,
a plurality of ball-lock retainer assemblies 350 in accordance with
the embodiment of FIGS. 13-16 can be connected by actuation lines.
As still another example, a plurality of ball-lock retainer
assemblies 105 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 5 can be
connected by actuation lines.
[0118] With continued reference to FIG. 17, the assembly 100
further includes a controller 210. In the example shown, the
controller 210 is mounted on the mounting plate 700, but in other
examples the controller can be mounted at various other locations,
or may be a portable remote control. When the controller 210 is
actuated (e.g., when an associated switch is moved to an "on"
position), the controller is adapted to initiate pressurized fluid
flow to a plurality (e.g., a series) of ball-lock retainer
assemblies 105. The controller can be in communication with a first
ball-lock retainer assembly on one end, while being in
communication with a source of pressurized fluid on another end.
Thus, the controller 210 can serve to connect a first ball-lock
retainer assembly 105 with a source of pressurized fluid. In the
non-limiting example shown in FIG. 17, because all the ball-lock
retainer assemblies 105 are connected in series, actuation of the
controller 210 simultaneously initiates pressurized fluid flow to
all the ball-lock retainer assemblies 105.
[0119] Thus, pressurized fluid can be delivered to the ball-lock
retainer assemblies 105 through the pressurized fluid lines 205. As
such, upon actuation of the controller 210, pressurized fluid is
delivered through the pressurized fluid lines 205 to each of the
ball-lock retainer assemblies 105. This causes the automation
actuator 500 of each ball-lock retainer assembly 105 to move each
piston 105 to the extended position and thereby unlock the
associated ball 45, which unclamps the associated stamping tool 15.
As a result, each of the stamping tools 15 can be unclamped at
substantially the same time.
[0120] In some embodiments, the stamping system includes two or
more subsets of ball-lock retainer assemblies connected in series.
In embodiments of this nature, the stamping tools associated with a
first subset of ball-lock retainer assemblies connected in series
can be unclamped at a first time, and the stamping tools associated
with a second subset of ball-lock retainer assemblies connected in
series can be unclamped at a second, different time. In other
embodiments, two more ball-lock retainer assemblies are connected
in parallel. As still another possibility, one group of ball-lock
retainer assemblies are connected in series, while another group of
ball-lock retainer assemblies are connected in parallel.
[0121] In one group of embodiments, the invention provides a
stamping tool retainer assembly comprising a retainer, a moveable
lock body, and an automation actuator. In the present embodiments,
the retainer can comprise a single retainer housing 10, as shown in
FIG. 11-12, 13-16, 18-19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24. Alternatively, it
can comprise separate retainer and adapter housings 10, 110, as
shown in FIG. 1A-3B, 5, or 17. Either way, the retainer has a
tool-mount bore configured to receive a shank of a stamping tool.
The tool-mount bore can be an elongated bore having a single
section 265, 365, as shown in FIG. 11-12, 13-16, 18-19, 20, 21, 22,
23, or 24. Alternatively, it can be an elongated bore comprising
aligned primary and secondary tool-mount openings 30, 125, as shown
in FIG. 1A-3B, 5, or 17. The moveable lock body 445 has a locked
position and an unlocked position. In the present embodiments, the
stamping tool retainer assembly is configured such that the lock
body 445 moves from the unlocked position to the locked position in
response to actuation of the automation actuator 500. The
automation actuator 500 is a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic
actuator, or an electric actuator.
[0122] In some embodiments of the present group, the moveable lock
body 445 is a ball 45. However, this is not the case in all
embodiments. For example, the moveable lock body 445 can
alternatively comprise a pendulum or another pivot body (see FIG.
20), a generally bullet-shaped body (see FIG. 24), or another type
of moveable body of various different constructions. Preferably,
the moveable body 445 is a rigid body. It will typically be formed
of metal (e.g., steel), although certain plastics or composites may
be suitable for some applications.
[0123] The retainer preferably has generally parallel, opposed
front and rear faces. In the embodiments of FIGS. 20-24, the
retainer comprises a single retainer block that defines such front
and rear faces. The tool-mount bore is defined by the retainer and
opens through the front face of the retainer. In preferred
embodiments, the tool-mount bore is a circular bore configured to
snugly receive a cylindrical shank of a stamping tool.
[0124] The retainer preferably has one or more (e.g., a plurality
of) mount openings 600 configured to receive a respective plurality
of mounting bolts 650 for bolting the retainer onto a die shoe or
other mounting plate 700. Preferably, the retainer further includes
one or more (e.g., a plurality of) dowel openings 145, 146
configured to receive a respective plurality of locating dowels 660
to facilitate mounting the retainer onto the die shoe or other
mounting plate 700. In some cases, the tool-mount bore, the mount
openings 600, and the dowel openings 660 all extend along
longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to each other.
This, however, is not strictly required. Moreover, as noted above,
it is possible to use many other fastening assemblies, which may or
may not involve mounting bolts 650, dowels 660, or both.
[0125] In some cases, the retainer has a major dimension of less
than six inches and a height of less than four inches. In the
embodiments of FIGS. 20-24, for example, the retainer may have a
major dimension in the range of from 2-5 inches, and a height of
from 1-3 inches. These dimension, however, are by no means
limiting. To the contrary, dimensions outside these ranges may be
preferred for certain applications.
[0126] The tool-mount bore preferably has a blind bottom end. In
some cases, a backing plate 840 (e.g., attached removably to a rear
face 25 of a retainer housing block) defines the blind bottom end
of the tool-mount bore. FIGS. 20, 22, 23, and 24 are examples. In
other cases, a removable plug 1840 defines the blind bottom end of
the tool-mount bore. FIG. 21 is one example. In still other cases,
the tool-mount bore extends entirely through the retainer and the
die shoe or other mounting plate 700 defines the blind bottom end
of the tool-mount bore. An arrangement of any of these types can be
provided in any embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0127] In some embodiments of present group, the lock body 445 when
in its locked position is spaced apart from any spring-based (e.g.,
spring-driven) resilient biasing member (e.g., spring 450 in FIG.
20) of the stamping tool retainer assembly. Reference is made to
the various different embodiments of FIGS. 20-24. In such cases,
the stamping tool retainer assembly is devoid of a spring or
spring-based resilient biasing member that is in contact with the
lock body 445. For example, in some cases, the stamping tool
retainer assembly is devoid of any spring or any spring-based
resilient biasing member.
[0128] In some cases, the present stamping tool retainer assembly
has an intermediate opening 407 located between the tool-mount bore
and the automation actuator 500. Reference is made to the
embodiments of FIGS. 20-23. Here, the lock body 445 is mounted in
the intermediate opening 407 for movement between the locked and
unlocked positions.
[0129] In certain embodiments of the present group, the automation
actuator 500 is a pneumatic actuator or a hydraulic actuator
comprising a piston 150. The embodiment of FIG. 20 is one example.
In embodiments of this nature, the stamping tool retainer assembly
is configured such that the piston 150 moves from a first position
(e.g., a retracted position) to a second position (e.g., an
extended position) in response to actuation of the automation
actuator 500 and the lock body 445 is thereby pushed by the piston
from the unlocked position to the locked position.
[0130] In the embodiment of FIG. 20, the lock body 445 comprises a
pivot body (which when used in a downwardly oriented position, is
configured as a pendulum). In FIG. 20, the lock body 445 is
configured to pivot from its unlocked position to its locked
position in response to actuation of the automation actuator 500,
which involves the piston 150 bearing against the lock body so as
to pivot the lock body such that it bears against the shank 55 of a
stamping tool 15 received in the tool-mount bore. In more detail,
the illustrated lock body 445 is mounted pivotably within an
intermediate opening 407 located between the tool-mount bore and
the automation actuator 500. An optional compression spring 450
(shown in a compressed state) is coupled with the piston 150 so as
to resiliently bias the piston toward a retracted position.
[0131] The piston 150 in the embodiment of FIG. 20 has a retracted
position and an extended position. When in its extended position,
the piston 150 (e.g., a shoulder 189 thereof) bears against the
pivotable lock body 445, which causes the lock body (e.g., a
shoulder 449 thereof) to bear against the shank 55 of a stamping
tool 15 received in the tool-mount bore. Thus, in the embodiment of
FIG. 20, when the piston 150 is in its extended position (shown in
FIG. 20), the lock body 445 is in its locked position. And when the
piston 150 is in its retracted position, the lock body 445 is in
its unlocked position, such that the shank 55 of a stamping tool 15
can be inserted into, or removed from, the tool-mount bore.
[0132] In other embodiments, the automation actuator 500 is a
pneumatic or hydraulic actuator comprising a bladder 475. Reference
is made to the embodiment of FIG. 21. In embodiments of this
nature, the stamping tool retainer assembly is configured such that
the bladder 475 expands in response to actuation of the automation
actuator and the lock body 445 is thereby pushed by the bladder
from the unlocked position to the locked position. Here again, the
lock body 445 is mounted movably within an intermediate opening 407
located between the tool-mount bore and the automation actuator
500. In FIG. 21, the lock body 445 is a ball, although various
other types of bodies can alternatively be used (e.g., a generally
bullet-shaped plug). The bladder 475 can optionally be mounted
within a cavity 470 bounded by the retainer.
[0133] In still other embodiments, the automation actuator 500 is
an electric actuator comprising an electric motor 1000. The
embodiments of FIGS. 22, 23, and 24 are examples. In embodiments of
this nature, the stamping tool retainer assembly is configured such
that the lock body 445 moves from the unlocked position to the
locked position in response to operation of the electric motor
1000.
[0134] In the embodiment of FIG. 22, the automation actuator 500 is
an electric actuator comprising an electric motor 1000 and a cam
body 480. Here, the stamping tool retainer assembly is configured
such that the motor 1000 moves the cam body 480 in response to
actuation of the automation actuator and the cam body thereby cams
with the lock body 445 so as to move the lock body from the
unlocked position to the locked position. In this embodiment, the
lock body 445 is mounted movably within an intermediate opening 407
located between the tool-mount bore and the automation actuator
500.
[0135] With continued reference to the embodiment of FIG. 22, the
illustrated cam body 480 is mounted for movement along a threaded
shaft 485. The threaded shaft 485 is rotatable selectively in
either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction.
Movement of the cam body 480 along the threaded shaft 485 is
initiated by operating the motor 1000 so as to rotate the threaded
shaft 485 in the desired direction. This causes the cam body 480 to
move in the desired direction along the threaded shaft 485. The
illustrated cam body 480 is equipped with a support key 481 that
rides in a track defined by the retainer. The cam body 480 has a
shoulder 489 that bears against the lock body 489 when in the
locked position. The illustrated cam body 480 has a tapered leading
487, which is configured to cam with the lock body 445 when the cam
body moves along the threaded shaft 485 so as to engage the lock
body. In FIG. 22, the lock body 445 is a ball, although various
other types of bodies can alternatively be used (e.g., a generally
bullet-shaped plug).
[0136] In the embodiment of FIG. 23, the automation actuator 500
comprises a guide body 490 having a spiral track 495. In
embodiments of this nature, the stamping tool retainer assembly is
configured such that the lock body 445 moves along the spiral track
495 of the guide body 490 in response to actuation of the
automation actuator 500 such that the lock body thereby moves from
the unlocked position to the locked position. Here again, the lock
body 445 is mounted movably within an intermediate opening 407
located between the tool-mount bore and the automation actuator
500.
[0137] In FIG. 23, the guide body 490 is a rotatable member, which
can optionally have a generally cone-shaped configuration. Thus,
the illustrated lock body 445 moves along the spiral track 495 of
the guide body 490 (e.g., from the unlocked position to the locked
position) in response to rotation of the guide body, which results
from actuation of the automation actuator 500. The illustrated lock
body 445 is a ball.
[0138] In FIG. 23, the automation actuator 500 can be an electric
actuator comprising an electric motor 1000. The illustrated
electric motor 1000 is coupled to the guide body 490 such that the
guide body rotates in response to operation of the motor 1000.
[0139] Turning now to the embodiment of FIG. 24, the illustrated
automation actuator 500 is an electric actuator comprising an
electric motor 1000. Here, the stamping tool retainer assembly is
configured such that the lock body 445 moves from the unlocked
position to the locked position in response to operating the motor
1000.
[0140] In FIG. 24, the lock body 445 is mounted for movement along
a threaded shaft 485. The illustrated lock body 445 has an
internally threaded opening in which the threaded shaft 485 is
threadingly received. The threaded shaft 485 is rotatable
selectively in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise
direction. Movement of the lock body 445 along the threaded shaft
485 is initiated by operating the motor 1000 so as to rotate the
threaded shaft 485 in the desired direction. This causes the lock
body 445 to move in a desired direction along the threaded shaft
485. The illustrated lock body 445 has a tapered (e.g., rounded)
leading end 499, which is configured to engage the shank 55 of a
stamping tool 15 received in the tool-mount bore. The illustrated
lock body 445 has a generally bullet-shaped configured, although
this is by no means required.
[0141] In FIGS. 20-24, the shank of a stamping tool is shown
received in the tool-mount bore. The shank of the stamping tool
preferably has formed therein a lock recess 60. Thus, in FIGS.
20-24, the lock body 445 is in the locked position so as to project
into the tool-mount bore 365 and engage the lock recess 60. The
illustrated lock recess 60 has a concave configuration. In other
embodiments, the lock recess can be a generally rectangular or
triangular notch.
[0142] FIGS. 20-24 show the stamping tool retainer assembly mounted
to a die shoe or another mounting body 700 of a stamping press.
With reference to FIG. 20, it can be appreciated that the stamping
tool retainer assembly is in some cases mounted above a workpiece
WP to be processed. In such cases, the stamping tool retainer
assembly is oriented to face downwardly, such that the stamping
tool 15 it holds projects downwardly, e.g., toward a workpiece WP
to be processed.
[0143] In any embodiment of the present disclosure, the die shoe or
other mounting plate 700 preferably is adapted to move the stamping
tool retainer assembly (and the stamping tool(s) held thereby) in a
linear motion, e.g., a linear back-and-forth motion, such as an
up-and-down motion, preferably without rotating the stamping tool
retainer assembly or the stamping tool(s) it holds. This is
conventional, and will be well understood by those having ordinary
skill in this technology field.
[0144] The invention provides certain embodiments involving a
stamping tool retainer assembly that is equipped with a tool-shank
detent 31. Reference is made to the non-limiting examples of FIGS.
20-23. When provided, the tool-shank detent 31 is configured to
retain the shank 55 of a stamping tool 15 in the tool-mount bore
when the lock body 445 is in its unlocked position, even if the
stamping tool retainer assembly is oriented to face downwardly
(i.e., such that the stamping tool 15 hangs downwardly).
[0145] In these embodiments, the stamping tool retainer assembly
comprises a retainer and a moveable lock body 445. The retainer can
be of any type described above with respect to any one or more of
the figures. Alternatively, the housing in the present embodiments
can be any type of conventional ball-lock retainer housing. Given
the present teaching, skilled artisans will appreciate that the
tool-shank detent can be provided advantageously on any stamping
tool retainer assembly of any type. The retainer has a tool-mount
bore configured to receive a shank 55 of a stamping tool 15. The
moveable lock body 445 has a locked position and an unlocked
position. In the present embodiments, the stamping tool retainer
assembly further comprises a tool-shank detent 31 adjacent to the
tool-mount bore.
[0146] The tool-shank detent 31 is positioned to engage the shank
55 of a stamping tool 15 when such a shank is received in the
tool-mount bore. In some cases, the tool-shank detent 31 entirely
surrounds the tool-mount bore. The tool-shank detent, for example,
can comprise (e.g., be) an O-ring. As another possibility, the
tool-shank detent 31 can be a lip seal (e.g., comprising a flexible
lip against which the shank a stamping tool slides when inserted
into or removed from the tool-mount bore). In some cases, the
tool-shank detent 31 comprises a removable piece of cloth, string,
or fiber that creates sufficient friction with the shank of the
tool. In some cases, one or more ball plungers are used. In
addition to the noted tool-retention functionality, the tool-shank
detent 31 in some cases helps keep dirt out of the tool-mount bore,
and/or provides some cleaning of the shaft 55 before it is fully
inserted into the tool-mount bore.
[0147] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been described, it should be understood that a variety of changes,
adaptations, and modifications can be made therein without
departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *