Patent ID: 8950233
Filing Date: 2015-02-10
Classification: B21D

Abstract:
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 generally cylindrically shaped pilot operably supported on one of said 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: a spring member having a generally hollow interior that is received onto and over said spring retainer rod, an outer end oriented toward the stock strip, and an opposite inner end oriented away from the stock strip and positioned adjacent to said inner end surface of said spring retainer rod; at least one rigid ejector pin slidingly received and retained in said ejector pin aperture in said medial portion of said pilot, the rigid ejector pin having an outer end that protrudes outwardly from said outer end surface of said outer collar portion of said medial portion when urged to an extended position to contact the stock strip and strip the stock strip away from said outer end portion of said pilot, and retracts toward said medial portion of said pilot when urged to a retracted position, and an inner end of the rigid ejector pin that operably engages said outer end of said spring member and is thereby biased outwardly by said spring member toward said extended condition; a retainer operably connecting said inner end portion of said spring retainer rod with said inner end of said spring member in a pre-tensed condition to define a fully assembled pilot condition wherein said ejector pin is biased toward said extended condition; and a window mount operably supporting said pilot in said fully assembled pilot condition in said pilot mounting aperture in said one die member to define an installed condition, and having: