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.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to stamping tools and, more particularly, to lockable retainers for stamping tools.

BACKGROUND

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.

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.

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary ball-lock retainer housing.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the ball-lock retainer housing of FIG. 1A carrying a stamping tool.

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the retainer housing of FIG. 1B taken along line C-C.

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.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the ball-lock retainer assembly of FIG. 2A, with the assembly shown in an unclamped configuration.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an adapter housing of the ball-lock retainer assembly of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the adapter housing of FIG. 3A taken along line B-B.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a piston of the adapter housing of FIGS. 2A through 3B.

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.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a ball-lock retainer assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the ball-lock retainer assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a piston of the ball-lock retainer assembly of FIG. 6.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the ball-lock retainer assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the ball-lock retainer assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a stamping system in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a ball-lock retainer assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the ball-lock retainer assembly of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stamping tool retainer assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stamping tool retainer assembly in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stamping tool retainer assembly in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stamping tool retainer assembly in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ½ inch, the spring preferably is sized to fit within a ½ 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.

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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.