摘要 |
<p>ALIGNMENT BOLT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MAINTAINING PARTS A bolt assembly (16) for a connecting rod or other machine parts, and method of using the bolt assembly as well as the improved connecting rod or other machine parts resulting therefrom are disclosed. The bolt assembly includes a bolt having a head portion (40), a threaded end portion (42), a shank portion (44) between the head portion and the threaded end portion and a spring pin (46) surrounding the shank portion. The spring pin is generally tubular with a slot (48) extending the full length thereof, and is desirably held captive on the shank portion. When assembled, the spring pin (46) presses tightly against a bore (26) through one part (14) and also against a coaxial bore or counterbore (28) formed in another part (12) so as to maintain the parts in accurate alignment. The spring pin may have a length greater than the depth of the bore (26) through the one part (14) and less than the combined depth of the bore (26) through the one part and bore or counterbore (28) in the other part (12) so that it is assured that the spring pin crosses the parting line (32, 34) between the two parts when the bolt is tightened to the desired extent. Alternatively, the length of the spring pin (46) could be reduced by captivating the spring pin in a desired location along the length of the shank portion (44).</p> |