Patent ID: 9381560
Filing Date: 2016-07-05
CPC Classification: B21D,B21K,B23P

Claim Text:
1. In a multi-station progressive metal forming die having at least two mutually converging and diverging die members between which an elongate stock strip is shifted longitudinally to form parts from the stock strip, the improvement of a modular pilot assembly with self-contained stripper, comprising: a pilot configured for operable support on one of the die members and having an outer end portion oriented toward the stock strip, an oppositely disposed inner end portion oriented away from the stock strip, and a medial portion disposed axially between said outer and inner end portions, wherein: said outer end portion has a generally tapered nose to engage the pilot hole in the stock strip and guide the same to a predetermined position in an associated die forming station; said inner end portion has a generally cylindrical shape, with a flat surface for engaging a surface of the one die member; a spring member having a generally hollow interior that is received over said medial portion, an outer end oriented toward the stock strip, and an opposite inner end oriented away from the stock strip and positioned adjacent a surface on the pilot; a stripper with an outer collar portion with an outer end surface oriented toward the stock strip and a generally cylindrical first sidewall with a first outside diameter, an inner collar portion with an inner end surface oriented away from the stock strip and a generally cylindrical second sidewall with a second outside diameter which is less than said first outside diameter of said first sidewall of said outer collar portion and defines an annularly shaped, radially oriented shoulder there between for engaging the outer end of said spring member; wherein: said outer collar portion has a first inner diameter; said inner collar portion has a second inner diameter which is less than said first inner diameter of said outer collar portion and defines an annularly shaped, radially oriented inner shoulder there between; and a retainer operably connected on the pilot to maintain the stripper on the pilot assembly by engaging the inner shoulder of the stripper when the die members are diverged.