GUIDE PIN ASSEMBLY FOR METAL FORMING DIES AND METHOD

Abstract

A guide pin assembly for metal forming dies includes a cylindrical guide pin body with an external retainer groove adjacent one end thereof in which a retainer ring is received. An annular guide pin ring with an outside diameter greater than the pin body, has a counterbore adjacent the outside end thereof and a retainer groove in a medial portion thereof which receives the outer portion of the retainer ring to securely interconnect the pin body and the ring and thereby form an enlarged head at one end of the pin body which positively limits reciprocal motion between two associated die members. A circular guide pin head cap covers the outer end of the head ring, and includes a support collar that is closely received in the counterbore of the ring, and engages the retainer ring to securely hold the same in place.

Claims

1. A guide pin assembly for metal forming dies having first and second die members which mutually converge and diverge to form metal parts, comprising: a guide pin body including: a first end portion configured for secure operable attachment with the first die member; a second end portion disposed generally opposite said first end portion, configured to be received by the second die member; a medial portion disposed between said first and second end portions having an exterior surface for precisely guiding the converging and diverging motion between the first and second die members; and a first retainer groove extending about said exterior surface at a location disposed generally adjacent to said second end portion of said guide pin body; a guide pin head member including: an exterior size that is greater than the outside size of said guide pin body, an interior size that is generally commensurate with the outside size of said guide pin body, an outwardly facing end edge, and an inwardly facing end edge; a second retainer groove extending about a medial portion of said guide pin head member interior generally aligned with said first retainer groove in said guide pin body when said guide pin assembly is in an assembled condition; a counterbore formed into said outwardly facing end edge of said guide pin head member, recessed into said interior of said guide pin head member and extending generally from said outwardly facing end edge to said second retainer groove, and defining at least one counterbore wall; and a retainer having an inward portion thereof closely received and retained in said first retainer groove in said guide pin body, and an outward portion thereof protruding outwardly from said exterior surface of said guide pin body and being closely received and retained in said second retainer groove in said guide pin head member to fixedly mount said guide pin head member on said second end portion of said guide pin body and define an enlarged head portion of said guide pin assembly that serves to positively limit travel between the first and second die members; and a guide pin head cap including: an outwardly oriented exterior face; an inwardly oriented interior face; and a support collar protruding inwardly from said interior face of said guide pin head cap, with an interior surface defining a socket in which said second end portion of said guide pin body is received, and an exterior surface which is closely received against said at least one counterbore wall, such that said support collar is securely retained in said counterbore in said guide pin head member and said retainer is positively captured in said first retainer groove in said guide pin body and said second retainer groove in said guide pin head member, such that said guide pin head member is securely supported on said second end portion of said guide pin body to withstand impact forces applied to said enlarged head portion of said guide pin assembly during repeated, mutual convergence and divergence of the first and second die members.

2. A guide pin assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said guide pin body has a generally cylindrical shape.

3. A guide pin assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said guide pin head member and said guide pin head cap both have a generally annular plan configuration.

4. A guide pin assembly as set forth in claim 3, wherein: said retainer has a generally annular plan shape with an outside diameter associated with a radially outward portion thereof, and a generally circular radial cross-sectional configuration; said first retainer groove in said guide pin body is defined by a first arcuate groove surface having a shape and size that is generally commensurate with the shape and size of a radially inward portion of said retainer member and abuttingly supports the same against said first arcuate groove surface; and said second retainer groove and said at least one counterbore wall in said guide pin head member intersect along a radially inwardly oriented rim which has a plan diameter that is less than the outside diameter of said retainer, whereby said guide pin head member is pressed over and onto said guide pin body with an interference fit between said retainer and said first and second retainer grooves.

5. A guide pin assembly as set forth in claim 4, wherein: said guide pin head member is constructed of a rigid material having sufficient radial resiliency that said guide pin head member elastically deforms when said guide pin head member is pressed onto said guide pin body to snap said second retainer groove over and onto said outward portion of said retainer, and thereafter apply radially inwardly oriented resilient constricting forces against said retainer that securely retain said retainer in said first and second retainer grooves in said guide pin body and said guide pin head member when said guide pin assembly is in said assembled condition.

6. A guide pin assembly as set forth in claim 5, wherein: said counterbore of said guide pin head member has a width measured radially between said interior sidewall of said guide pin head member and said counterbore wall; and said support collar of said guide pin head cap has a width measured radially between said interior sidewall and said exterior sidewall of said support collar, which is greater than said width of said counterbore, such that said guide pin head cap is pressed axially onto said guide pin head member with an interference fit between said support collar of said guide pin head cap and said counterbore wall of said guide pin head member.

7. A guide pin assembly as set forth in claim 6, wherein: said support collar of said guide pin head cap includes an inwardly facing free end edge which abuts at least a portion of said retainer when said guide pin head member is pressed onto said guide pin body to assist shifting said second retainer groove over and onto said radially outward portion of said retainer.

8. A guide pin assembly as set forth in claim 7, wherein: said guide pin assembly is machine pressed into said assembled condition, such that said support collar of said guide pin head cap is inelastically deformed to completely fill any open space between said exterior surface of said guide pin body and said counterbore wall in said guide pin head member, as well as any open space between said retainer and said second retainer groove in said guide pin head member, so as to ensure that all parts of said guide pin assembly are fully and solidly seated, to withstand repeated, high impact forces.

9. A guide pin assembly as set forth in claim 8, wherein: said exterior surface of said guide pin head member has an assembled shape that is substantially cylindrical when said guide pin assembly is in said assembled condition; and said exterior of said guide pin head member has a preassembled shape that tapers inwardly adjacent said outwardly facing end edge thereof, such that the circumferential elastic deformation of said guide pin head member which occurs during pressing of the same onto said guide pin body shifts the configuration of said exterior of said guide pin head member from said tapered preassembled shape to said substantially cylindrical assembled shape when said guide pin assembly is in said assembled condition.

10. A guide pin assembly as set forth in claim 9, wherein: said interior face of said guide pin head cap abuts against said facing end edge of said guide pin head member when said guide pin assembly is in said assembled condition.

11. A guide pin assembly as set forth in claim 10, including: a bumper groove extending about said surface of said guide pin body at a location disposed immediately inwardly of said inwardly facing end edge of said guide pin head member in said assembled condition ; and a resilient dampening washer having an interior side wall that extends over said bumper groove in a non-impacted condition, and extends into said bumper groove in an impacted condition to absorb impact forces applied to said enlarged head portion of said guide pin assembly during operation of the associated metal forming die.

12. A guide pin assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said guide pin head member is constructed of a rigid material having sufficient resiliency that said guide pin head member elastically deforms outwardly when said guide pin head member is pressed onto said guide pin body to snap said second retainer groove over and onto said outward portion of said retainer, and thereafter apply constricting forces against said retainer that securely retain said retainer in said first and second retainer grooves in said guide pin body and said guide pin head member when said guide pin assembly is in said assembled condition.

13. In a metal forming die having first and second die members which mutually converge and diverge to form metal parts, the improvement of a guide pin assembly, comprising: a guide pin body including: a first end portion operably attached to said first die member; a second end portion disposed generally opposite said first end portion, and received by said second die member; a medial portion disposed between said first and second end portions, having an exterior surface for precisely guiding the converging and diverging motion between said first and second die members; and a first retainer groove extending about said exterior surface at a location disposed generally adjacent to said second end portion of said guide pin body; a guide pin head member including: an exterior size that is greater than the outside size of said guide pin body, an interior size that is generally commensurate with the outside size of said guide pin body, an outwardly facing end edge, and an inwardly facing end edge; a second retainer groove extending about a medial portion of said guide pin head member interior that is generally aligned with said first retainer groove in said guide pin body when said guide pin assembly is in an assembled condition; and a counterbore formed into said outwardly facing end edge of said guide pin head member, recessed into said interior of said guide pin head member and extending generally from said outwardly facing end edge to said second retainer groove, and defining at least one counterbore wall; a retainer having an inward portion thereof closely received and retained in said first retainer groove in said guide pin body, and an outward portion thereof protruding outwardly from said exterior surface of said guide pin body and being closely received and retained in said second retainer groove in said guide pin head member to fixedly mount said guide pin head member on said second end portion of said guide pin body and define an enlarged head portion of said guide pin assembly that serves to positively limit travel between the first and second die members; a guide pin head cap including: an outwardly oriented exterior face; an inwardly oriented interior face; and a support collar protruding inwardly from said interior face of said guide pin head cap, with an interior defining a socket in which said second end portion of said guide pin body is received, and an exterior surface which is closely received against said counterbore wall, such that said support collar is securely retained in said counterbore in said guide pin head member and said retainer is positively captured in said first retainer groove in said guide pin body and said second retainer groove in said guide pin head member, such that said guide pin head member is securely supported on said second end portion of said guide pin assembly during repeated, mutual convergence and divergence of said first and second die members.

14. A metal forming die as set forth in claim 13, wherein: said retainer has a generally circular radial cross-sectional configuration; said first retainer groove in said guide pin body is defined by a first arcuate groove surface having a shape and size that is generally commensurate with the shape and size of a radially inward portion of said retainer and abuttingly supports the same against said first arcuate groove surface; and said second retainer groove and said at least one counterbore wall in said guide pin head member intersect along a radially inwardly oriented rim which has a plan diameter that is less than the outside diameter of said retainer ring, whereby the guide pin head member is pressed over and onto said guide pin body with an interference fit between said retainer and said first and second retainer grooves.

15. A metal forming die as set forth in claim 13, wherein: said guide pin head member is constructed of a rigid material having sufficient radial resiliency that said guide pin head member elastically deforms when said guide pin head member is pressed onto said guide pin body to snap said second retainer groove over and onto said outward portion of said retainer, and thereafter apply constricting forces against said retainer that securely retain said retainer in said first and second retainer grooves in said guide pin body and said guide pin head member when said guide pin assembly is in said assembled condition.

16. A method for making a guide pin assembly for metal forming dies of the type having first and second die members which mutually converge and diverge to form metal parts, comprising: forming a guide pin body having a first end portion configured for secure operable attachment with the first die member, a second end portion disposed generally opposite the first end portion for secure operable attachment with the second die member, and a medial portion disposed between the first and second end portions, having an exterior surface for precisely guiding the converging and diverging motion between the first and second die members; forming a first retainer groove in the guide pin body extending about the exterior surface at a location disposed generally adjacent to the second end portion of the guide pin body with a shape that opens outwardly; forming a guide pin head member with an exterior sidewall having an outside size that is greater than the outside size of the guide pin body, an interior sidewall with an inside size that is generally commensurate with the outside size of the guide pin body, an outwardly facing end edge and an inwardly facing end edge; forming a second retainer groove in the guide pin ring head extending about a portion of the interior sidewall with a shape that opens inwardly, and is aligned with the first retainer groove in the guide pin body when the guide pin assembly is in an assembled condition; forming a counterbore in the outwardly facing end edge of the guide pin head member that defines at least one counterbore wall; providing a retainer having an inward portion shaped for close reception in the first retainer groove in the guide pin body, and an outward portion which protrudes outwardly from the exterior surface of the guide pin body and is shaped for close reception in the second retainer groove in the guide pin head member; forming a guide pin head cap with an outwardly oriented exterior face, an inwardly oriented interior face, and a support collar protruding inwardly from the interior face of the guide pin head cap, having a free end edge, an interior side wall defining a socket shaped to closely receive therein the second end portion of the guide pin body, and an exterior sidewall shaped to be closely received against the at least one counterbore wall; positioning the inward portion of the retainer in the first retainer groove in the guide pin body; sliding the guide pin head member onto and over the guide pin body from the first end portion thereof until the guide pin head member contacts at least a portion of the retainer mounted in the first retainer groove on the guide pin body; positioning the guide pin head cap over the outwardly facing end edge of the guide pin head member with at least a portion of the second end portion of the guide pin body received in the socket in the guide pin head cap, and at least a portion of the support collar of the guide pin head cap received in the counterbore in the guide pin head member; converging the guide pin head cap and the guide pin head member until at least a portion of the free end edge of the support ring on the guide pin head cap contacts at least a portion of the retainer mounted in the first retainer groove on the guide pin body; pressing the guide pin head cap and the guide pin head member together, causing engagement of the free end edge of the support ring against the retainer mounted in the first retainer groove on the guide pin body, and thereby shifting the outward portion of the retainer ring into the second retainer ring groove in the guide pin head member to fixedly mount the guide pin head member on the second end portion of the guide pin body and define an enlarged head portion of the guide pin assembly that serves to positively limit travel between the first and second die members; further pressing the guide pin head cap and the guide pin head member together until the second end portion of the guide pin body is fully received in the socket in the guide pin head cap, the support collar portion of the guide pin head cap is fully received in the counterbore in the guide pin head member, and the interior face of the guide pin head cap abuts with the facing end edge of the guide pin head member, whereby the retainer is positively captured in the first retainer groove in the guide pin body and the second retainer groove in the guide pin head member to rigidly support the guide pin head member on the second end portion of said guide pin body to withstand impact forces applied to the enlarged head portion of the guide pin assembly during repeated, mutual convergence and divergence of the first and second die members.

17. A method as set forth in claim 16, wherein: said retainer providing step includes selecting a split C-ring having an outside diameter, and a generally circular radial cross-sectional shape; said guide pin body forming step includes forming the first retainer groove with a first groove surface having a shape and size that is generally commensurate with the shape and size of the inward portion of the retainer and abuttingly supports the same against the first groove surface; said guide pin head member forming step includes forming the second retainer groove and the at least one counterbore wall to intersect along an inwardly oriented rim which has a plan diameter that is less than the outside diameter of the retainer; and said pressing step includes machine pressing the guide pin head member over and onto the guide pin body with an interference fit between the retainer and the first and second retainer grooves.

18. A method as set forth in claim 17, wherein: said guide pin head member forming step includes forming the guide pin head member from a rigid material having sufficient resiliency that the guide pin head member elastically deforms outwardly during said pressing step when the guide pin head member is pressed onto said guide pin body and snaps the second retainer groove over and onto the outward portion of the retainer, and thereafter applies constricting forces against the retainer that securely retain the retainer in the first and second retainer grooves in the guide pin body and the guide pin head member when the guide pin assembly is in the assembled condition.

19. A method as set forth in claim 18, wherein: said counterbore forming step includes forming the counterbore in the guide pin head member with a width measured between the interior sidewall of the guide pin head member and the counterbore wall; said guide pin cap forming step includes forming the support collar portion of the guide pin head cap with a width measured between the interior sidewall and the exterior sidewall of the guide pin head member such that the width of the support collar is greater than the width of the counterbore; and said further pressing step includes machine pressing the guide pin head cap onto the guide pin head member with an interference fit between the support collar of the guide pin head cap and the counterbore of the guide pin head member.

20. A method as set forth in claim 19, wherein: said further pressing step includes pressing the free end edge of the support collar of the guide pin head cap abuttingly against at least a portion of the retainer to assist shifting the second retainer groove over and onto the outward portion of the retainer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a guide pin assembly embodying the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the guide pin assembly.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the guide pin assembly, shown with a guide pin head cap portion thereof in a first partially assembled condition.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the guide pin assembly, wherein the guide pin head cap is shown in a second partially assembled condition.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the guide pin assembly, shown supported on a press base, and with the guide pin head cap shown pressed into a fully installed condition.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the guide pin assembly shown in the fully assembled condition.

[0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the guide pin assembly, shown installed in a guided keeper between two associated die members.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a guide pin body portion of the guide pin assembly.

[0020] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a first retainer groove in the guide pin body.

[0021] FIG. 10 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a dampener groove in the guide pin body.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the guide pin head ring.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the guide pin head ring.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the guide pin head ring.

[0025] FIG. 14 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a portion of the guide pin head ring.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a retainer ring portion of the guide pin assembly.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the retainer ring.

[0028] FIG. 17 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the retainer ring mounted in the first retainer groove in the guide pin body.

[0029] FIG. 18 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the guide pin body, the retainer ring and the guide pin head ring shown in a fully assembled condition.

[0030] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the guide pin head cap.

[0031] FIG. 20 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the guide ring head cap.

[0032] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the guide ring head cap.

[0033] FIG. 22 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the guide pin assembly shown in the first partially assembled condition.

[0034] FIG. 23 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view of the guide pin assembly shown in the fully assembled condition.

[0035] FIGS. 24-29 are partially diagrammatic, cross-sectional views of one preferred sequence for assembling the guide pin body, the guide pin head ring, the retainer ring and the guide pin head cap portions of the guide pin assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0037] The reference numeral 1 (FIGS. 1-7) generally designates a guide pin assembly embodying the present invention, which is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with metal forming dies, such as the die 2, selected portions of which are shown in FIG. 7, which has first and second die members 3 and 4, respectively, that mutually converge and diverge to form metal parts. Guide pin assembly 1 includes a guide pin body 5 having a generally cylindrical shape with a predetermined outside diameter. Guide pin body 5 includes a first end portion 6 configured for secure operable attachment with the first die member 3, and a second end portion 7, which is disposed generally opposite the first end portion 6, and is configured to be received into an associated aperture 8 in the second die member 4. The guide pin body 5 also includes a medial portion 9 disposed generally between the first and second end portions 6, 7, respectively, and having a generally hard, smooth, finished exterior surface 10 for precisely guiding the converging and diverging motion between the first and second die members 3 and 4. The guide pin body 5 also includes a first retainer groove 11, which extends circumferentially about the exterior surface 10 at an axial location disposed generally adjacent to the second end portion 7 of the guide pin body 5, and has a generally arcuate shape that opens radially outwardly. The guide pin assembly 1 also includes a guide pin head ring 15 which has a generally annular plan configuration, and includes a generally cylindrically shaped exterior sidewall 16 with a predetermined outside diameter that is greater than the outside diameter of the guide pin body 5, a generally cylindrically shaped interior sidewall 17 with a predetermined inside diameter that is generally commensurate with the predetermined outside diameter of the guide pin body 5, a generally annularly shaped outwardly facing end edge 18, and a generally annularly shaped inwardly facing end edge 19. The guide pin head ring 15 also includes a second retainer groove 20 extending circumferentially about a medial portion of the interior sidewall 17, which has a generally arcuate shape that opens radially inwardly, and is generally axially aligned with the first retainer groove 11 in the guide pin body 5 when the guide pin assembly 1 is in an assembled condition, as shown in FIGS. 1, 6, 7, 23 and 29. A counterbore 21 is formed into the outwardly facing end edge 18 of guide pin head ring 15, is recessed into the interior sidewall 17 of guide pin head ring 15, and extends generally axially from the outwardly facing end edge 18 to the second retainer groove 20 to define a counterbore wall 22. The guide pin assembly 1 also includes a retainer ring 30, which has a radially inward portion 31 closely received and retained in the first retainer groove 11 in the guide pin body 5, and a radially outward portion 32, which protrudes radially outwardly from the exterior surface 10 of the guide pin body 5, and is closely received and retained in the second retainer groove 20 in the guide pin head ring 15, so as to fixedly axially mount the guide pin head ring 15 on the second end portion 7 of the guide pin body 5 and define an enlarged head portion 33 of the guide pin assembly 1 that serves to positively limit travel between the first and second die members 3, 4. The guide pin assembly 1 also includes a guide pin head cap 40, which has a generally circular plan configuration, and includes an outwardly oriented exterior face 41, an inwardly oriented interior face 42 and a generally annularly shaped support collar 43 which protrudes axially inwardly from the interior face 42 of guide pin head cap 40. The support collar 43 of guide pin head cap 40 has a radially interior sidewall 44 (FIG. 3) which defines a socket 45 in which the second end portion 7 of the guide pin body 5 is received, and a radially exterior sidewall 46 which is closely received against the counterbore wall 22 in the guide pin head ring 15, such that the support collar portion 43 of the guide pin head cap 40 is tightly retained in the counterbore 21 in the guide pin head ring 15, and the retainer ring 30 is positively captured in the first retainer groove 11 in the guide pin body 5 and the second retainer groove 20 in the guide pin head ring 15, such that the guide pin head ring 15 is securely supported on the second end portion 7 of the guide pin body 5 to withstand impact forces applied to the enlarged head portion 33 of the guide pin assembly 1 during repeated, mutual convergence and divergence of the first and second die member 3, 4.

[0038] As will be appreciated by those having skill in the art of metal forming dies, metal forming dies typically incorporate multiple pairs of plates which converge and diverge relative to one another, and serve to either form the metal stock strip, and/or advance the stock strip through the various stations of the metal forming dies. Various tools and/or components are normally mounted on these die plates to achieve the desired forming of the metal stock and/or advancement through the die. These pairs of metal plates are typically interconnected by guide pins, which serve not only to accurately align each plate in the pair for precise reciprocation, but also act as a retainer to positively limit to a predetermined amount the distance each pair of plates may be separated from one another, so as to insure proper synchronization between the various stations and/or operations being performed in the metal forming die. Examples of such components are stock lifters, guided keepers, pressure plates, die shoes, die set pins and the like. Consequently, it should be understood that the term “die member,” as used herein refers to any portion of a metal forming die or die set, including, but not limited to, an upper die member or die shoe, a lower die member, all other die components, whether stationary or reciprocating, including a reciprocating pressure pad, or the like. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, guide pin assembly 1 is shown used in conjunction with a guided keeper assembly, wherein the base portion 35 of the guided keeper is operably connected with the second die member 4, by bolts 36, and the lower end 6 of the guide pin body 5 is operably connected with the first die member 3 by bolts 37. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, guide pin assembly 1 can be mounted in other types of die members, and/or components in a variety of different positions and orientations, as necessary to manipulate and form the stock strip as it advances through the various work stations of an associated metal forming die.

[0039] With reference to FIGS. 7-10, the illustrated guide pin body 5 has a rigid, one-piece construction, and can be machined from a solid bar or rod of metal or the like, such as steel. The illustrated guide pin body 5 has a flat, circularly shaped upper end 50, and an opposite, generally flat and circular lower end 51. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the lower end 51 of guide pin body 5 includes an outwardly protruding, central locator pin 52, which is closely received in a mating locator aperture 53 in the first die member 3, as best illustrated in FIG. 7. As will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, the lower end 51 of guide pin body 5 may be equipped with different types of locator mechanisms so as to ensure proper alignment between guide pin body 5 and the two die members 3, 4. With reference to FIGS. 8-10, the first retainer groove 11 in the illustrated guide pin body 5 is defined by a first groove surface 55, which has a generally circular cross-sectional shape, that opens radially outwardly, and extends from a first groove edge 56 along the circular groove surface 55 to a base or bottom portion, and then to the opposite groove edge 57. The first retainer groove 11 has a predetermined groove depth that is measured radially between the bottom or base portion and the exterior sidewall 10 of the guide pin body 5. In the illustrated example, the first retainer groove 11 in guide pin body 5 has a cross-sectional shape that is generally semi-circular in configuration, as best shown in FIGS. 9, 17 and 18, although other shapes and sizes are also contemplated by the present invention. The illustrated guide pin body 5 also includes a bumper groove 59 which is disposed axially between the first retainer groove 11 and the lower end 51 of guide pin body, and has a generally arcuate shape that opens radially outwardly. As best illustrated in FIG. 6, and described in greater detail below, the bumper groove 59 receives and loosely retains therein a resilient bumper 60 constructed from urethane or the like, which serves to absorb impact energy generated during the convergence and divergence of the two die members 3, 4. The illustrated resilient dampening bumper 60 is in the form of a washer having an annular plan shape with a circular interior sidewall that extends over the bumper groove 59 in a non-impacted condition, and extends into the bumper groove 59 in an impact condition, as shown in FIG. 6, to bi-directionally absorb impact forces applied to the enlarged head portion 33 of the guide pin assembly 1 during operation of the associated metal forming die 2.

[0040] With reference to FIGS. 2, 15 and 16, the illustrated retainer ring 30 has a split, one-piece, circular plan construction that is made from a single piece of solid spring steel wire, rod, or the like. Retainer ring 30 is generally flat or planar along its opposite sides or faces, has a circular lateral cross-sectional body shape, as shown in FIG. 16, and a split circular plan shape, as shown in FIG. 15. The opposite ends 34 of retainer ring 30 are separated by a predetermined amount, preferably in the range of 0.03 inches to 0.10 inches, and the body of retainer ring 30 is resiliently flexible, so that it can expand and contract circumferentially and/or radially, thereby permitting the interior or inward side 31 of retainer ring 30 to be snapped into the outwardly opening first retainer groove 11 in the guide pin body 5, and also permitting the inwardly opening second retainer groove 20 in the guide pin head ring 15 to be snapped over and onto the exterior side 32 of retainer ring 30, as explained in greater detail below. The outside diameter of the circular body portion of retainer ring 30 as shown in FIG. 16, is specifically selected to create an interference fit with the retainer groove 11 in guide pin body 5, and the retainer groove 20 in guide pin head ring 15, so as to create a very strong and durable guide pin assembly 1. In one working embodiment of the present invention, retainer ring 30 is a conventional C-ring having a planar outside diameter of 1.835 inches, a planar inside diameter of 1.635 inches, and a solid circular cross section shape with a diameter of 0.100 inches. In the illustrated example, the radially inward portion 31 of retainer ring 30 has a shape and size that is generally commensurate with the shape and size of the first retainer groove surface 55, such that the same is abuttingly supported closely against groove surface 55. Further, the illustrated retainer ring 30 is configured such that approximately all of the radially inward half 31 is closely received and retained in retainer groove 11, while approximately all of the radially outward half 32 protrudes radially outwardly from the exterior surface 10 of guide pin body 5.

[0041] With reference to FIGS. 11-14, the illustrated guide pin head ring 15 has a rigid, one-piece construction, and can be machined from a solid bar or rod of metal or the like, such as steel. The second retainer groove 20 in the illustrated guide pin head ring 15 has a generally J-shaped configuration, which as best illustrated in FIGS. 11-14, includes a generally linear, axially extending leg portion 63 at the outermost side thereof, and a generally circular radially inwardly extending leg portion 64 at the innermost portion thereof. In the illustrated example, the counterbore 21 also has a generally J-shaped configuration, which as best illustrated in FIGS. 11-14, includes a generally linear, axially extending leg portion 65 at the outermost side thereof, and a generally circular, radially inwardly extending leg portion 66 at the innermost portion thereof. Both retainer groove 20 and counterbore 21 have a circular plan shape, and are arranged axially concentrically. The circular leg portion 66 of counterbore 21 and the straight leg portion 63 of retainer groove 20 intersect along a radially inwardly oriented rim 67, which has a circular plan shape and a predetermined plan diameter that is less than the predetermined outside diameter of the retainer ring 30, such that the guide pin head ring 40 must be pressed over and onto the guide pin body 5, thereby creating an interference fit between the retainer ring 30 and the walls or surfaces 55, 63 and 64 of the first and second retainer grooves 11, 20. In one working example of the present invention, which will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, the retainer ring 30 is first snapped into the first retainer groove 11 in guide pin body 5, and a pressing machine is then used to press guide pin head ring 15 over and onto the guide pin body 5, thereby creating an interference fit between the retainer ring 30 and the surfaces 55, 63 and 64 of the first and second retainer grooves 11, 20. In the noted working example, the amount of interference between the rim 67 in the interior portion of guide pin head ring 15, and the radially outward portion 32 of retainer ring 30, when placed in the partially assembled condition shown in FIGS. 22 and 25-27, is around 0.002 inches per side, or a total of around 0.004 inches, such that a mechanical press in the range of 5-20 tons has been found satisfactory for such an assembly. In other words, in the noted working example, the diameter of rim 67 is formed approximately 0.004 inches smaller than the outside diameter of the associated retainer ring 30. It is to be understood that the amount of interference fit between the retainer ring 30 and the first and second retainer ring grooves 11 and 20, as well as rim 67 will vary according to the size of guide pin assembly 1, and the specific application for its use in a metal forming die.

[0042] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the guide pin head ring 15 is constructed of a rigid material having sufficient radial and circumferential resiliency that the guide pin head ring 15 elastically deforms both circumferentially and radially outwardly when the guide pin head ring 15 is pressed onto the guide pin body 5 to snap the second retainer groove 20 over and onto the radially outwardly portion 32 of the retainer ring 30. The guide pin head ring 15, in this elastically deformed installed condition, thereafter applies radially inwardly oriented resilient constricting forces against the retainer ring 30 and guide pin body 5, which serve to securely retain the retainer ring 30 in the first and second retainer grooves 11, 20 of the guide pin body 5 and the guide pin head ring 15 when the guide pin assembly 1 is in the fully assembled condition. As best shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, in order to compensate for the slight elastic deformation of the guide pin head ring 15 which would otherwise result after assembly, the exterior side wall 16 of the guide pin head ring 15 preferably has a pre-assembled shape (FIG. 22) that tapers radially inwardly adjacent the outwardly facing end edge 18 of the guide pin head ring 15, such that the radially oriented circumferential elastic deformation of the guide pin head ring 15, which occurs during pressing of the same onto the guide pin body 5, shifts the configuration of the exterior side wall 16 of the guide pin head ring 15 from the tapered pre-assembled shape to a substantially cylindrical post assembly shape (FIG. 23) when the guide pin assembly 1 is in the fully assembled condition. Consequently, the exterior side wall 16 of the guide pin head ring 15 has a substantially cylindrical, finished assembled shape.

[0043] The counterbore 21 in the illustrated guide pin head ring 15 defines an annular slot with a predetermined width, as measured radially between the interior sidewall 17 of the guide pin head ring 15 and the counterbore wall 22, which is particularly adapted for the secure connection of the guide pin head cap 40 in counterbore 21, as discussed below.

[0044] The illustrated guide pin head cap 40 has a rigid, one-piece construction, and can be machined from a solid bar or rod of metal or the like, such as steel. The support collar portion 43 of guide pin head cap 40 has a predetermined width measured radially between the interior sidewall 44 and the exterior sidewall 46 of the support collar 43, which width is greater than the predetermined width of the counterbore 21 as noted above, such that the guide pin head cap 40 is pressed axially onto the guide pin head ring 15 with an interference fit between the support collar portion 43 of the guide pin head cap 40 and the counterbore wall 22 of the guide pin head ring 15. Furthermore, the support collar portion 43 of the illustrated guide pin head cap 40 includes an inwardly facing free end edge 70, which abuts at least a portion of the retainer ring 30 when the guide pin assembly 1 is in the assembled condition, and assists in positively capturing the retainer ring 30 in the first and second retainer grooves, 11, 20 in the guide pin body 1 and the guide pin head ring 15. In the illustrated example, when the guide pin assembly 1 is being pressed into the assembled condition, as shown in FIGS. 28-29, the support collar portion 43 of the guide pin head cap 40 is inelastically deformed to completely fill any open space between the exterior surface 10 of the guide pin body 5 and the counterbore wall 22 in the guide pin head ring 15, as well as any open space between the retainer ring 30 and the second retainer groove 20 in the guide pin head ring 15, so as to ensure that all parts of the guide pin assembly 1 are fully and solidly seated to withstand repeated, high impact forces. Also, in the illustrated example, the outwardly oriented face 41 of the guide pin head cap 40 includes a tapered outer marginal edge 71 which extends to, but no further than, the radially outermost portion of the outwardly facing end edge 18 of the guide pin head ring 15 to present a solid appearance for the enlarged head portion 33 of the guide pin assembly 1, and also to discourage removal of the guide pin head cap 40 from the guide pin head ring 15. More specifically, the very thin nature of the tapered outer marginal edge of guide pin head cap 40, which in the illustrated example is arcuate in shape, causes the same to deform when pried upon, rather than separating the guide pin head cap 40 from the guide pin head ring 15. Also, the flat exterior surface 41 of guide pin head cap 40 is particularly adapted to accept permanent markings and/or similar indicia, particularly before assembly, such as by etching or the like, so as to provide clean and long lasting manufacturing information, etc. that can be used with various guide pin body lengths.

[0045] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, because the primary mechanical connection between guide pin body 5 and guide pin head ring 15 is provided by retainer ring 30, a permanent connection between these parts can be achieved without the need for a guide pin head cap 40, although use of the latter is preferred for most commercial applications. Furthermore, guide pin assembly 1 does not require any anti-rotation mechanism for the enlarged head 33, as a result of the unique locking system achieved by retainer ring 30.

[0046] In one working embodiment of the present invention, the guide pin body 5, guide pin head ring 15, retainer ring 30 and guide pin head cap 40 are assembled in the fashion shown in FIGS. 24-29. Initially, retainer ring 30 is pressed over the outer surface 10 of guide pin body 5 and into the first retainer groove 11, as shown in FIG. 24. Since retainer ring 30 is split, it opens circumferentially at the split to facilitate movement over the upper portion of guide pin body 5, and then snaps securely into the first retainer groove 11 in guide pin body 5. Preferably, when retainer ring 30 is initially so installed in the retainer groove 11 of guide pin body 5, it is tensed circumferentially from its “as manufactured” shape, so as to achieve close shutting contact with groove surface 55. Next, as shown in FIG. 25, the guide pin head ring 15 is then inserted over the outside surface 10 of guide pin body 5 from the lower end 51 thereof toward the upper end 50 thereof, until the interior rim 67 on the guide pin head ring 15 contacts the exterior surface of retainer ring 30. Next, as shown in FIG. 26, the support collar portion 43 of the guide pin head cap 40 is inserted into the gap formed between the outside surface 10 of guide pin body 5 and the counterbore wall 22 in guide pin head ring 15. The upper end 7 of guide pin body 5 closely received into the socket 45 formed on the interior face 42 of guide pin head cap 40. Next, as shown in FIG. 27, the guide pin head cap 40 is pressed axially into the guide pin head ring 15 until the free end edge 70 of the collar portion 43 of guide pin head cap 40 abuts or otherwise engages the outer surface of the retainer ring 30. Next, the guide pin head cap 40 and guide pin head ring 15 are axially pressed convergingly together until the contact between the free end edge 70 of the support collar portion 43 of the guide pin head cap 40 is sufficient to cause the second retainer groove 20 in guide pin head ring 15 to snap past rim 67 and onto the radially outward portion 32 of retainer ring 30, as shown in FIG. 28. Finally, further axial convergence of the guide pin head cap 40 and the guide pin head ring 15 causes the support collar portion 43 of the guide pin head cap 40 to inelastically deform to completely fill any open space between the exterior surface 10 of the upper end 7 of guide pin body 5 and the counterbore wall 22 in the guide pin head ring 15, as well as any open space between the retainer ring 30 and the second retainer groove 20 in the guide pin head ring 15, so as to ensure that all parts of the guide pin assembly 1 are fully seated, and rigidly support the enlarged head portion 33 of the guide pin assembly 1 on the second end 7 of the guide pin body 5 to withstand repeated high impact forces. Preferably, each pressing step is performed as a substantially continuous, single action operation in a pressing machine or the like to achieve a tight, permanent connection of the various parts, and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0047] Guide pin assembly 1 has an uncomplicated construction which is economical to manufacture, very strong and durable during use. Designed interferences between the various parts of the guide pin assembly 1 provide a secure locking function when the parts are fully assembled. The guide pin head ring 15 elastically deforms both circumferentially and radially outwardly when the guide pin head ring 15 is pressed onto the guide pin body 5 to snap the retainer groove 20 in the guide pin head ring 15 over and onto the radially outward portion of the retainer ring 30, and thereafter applies radially inwardly oriented resilient constricting forces against the retainer ring 30 and guide pin body 5 that securely retain the retainer ring 30 in place, without adversely affecting the function of the guide pin assembly 1. A slight taper is placed on the outer edge of the guide pin head ring 15, which stretches into a circular shape or cylinder after the parts have been fully assembled.

[0048] In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein, such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.