A workpiece conveyance device is used for a press device. The workpiece conveyance device includes a support component, first and second moving members, a driver, and a transmission mechanism. The support component supports a holder that detachably holds a workpiece. The first moving member pivotably supports the support component. The first and second moving members are movable in the up and down direction. The driver moves the second moving member in the up and down direction. The transmission mechanism transmits an up and down movement of the second moving member to the first moving member so as to move the first moving member in the up and down direction in conjunction with the up and down movement of the second moving member. The transmission mechanism causes an amount of movement of the first moving member to be greater than an amount of movement of the second moving member.

In a transport method for transferring workpieces between a plurality of successive stations of a processing device, especially a forming device, workpieces are in each case transported from one station to the respective next station of the processing device simultaneously by means of a plurality of gripping tools which are movable jointly in a transport cycle. In the event of a process disturbance, the transport cycle is suspended and the gripping tools with the workpieces are moved into a waiting position in which the workpieces are outside the operating range of processing tools of the stations of the processing device. Once the process disturbance has been eliminated, the transport cycle of the workpieces is resumed. By virtue of the movement of the gripping tools into a safe waiting position outside the operating range of the processing tools of the stations, consequent damage resulting from the process disturbance can be prevented.

In a transport method for transferring workpieces between a plurality of successive stations of a processing device, especially a forming device, workpieces are in each case transported from one station to the respective next station of the processing device simultaneously by means of a plurality of gripping tools which are movable jointly in a transport cycle. In the event of a process disturbance, the transport cycle is suspended and the gripping tools with the workpieces are moved into a waiting position in which the workpieces are outside the operating range of processing tools of the stations of the processing device. Once the process disturbance has been eliminated, the transport cycle of the workpieces is resumed. By virtue of the movement of the gripping tools into a safe waiting position outside the operating range of the processing tools of the stations, consequent damage resulting from the process disturbance can be prevented.

A pilot assembly and method for metal forming dies has a generally cylindrical pilot with a stripper that strips stock from the pilot when metal forming dies diverge. The pilot assembly is secured to one die member by a fastener by itself or in combination with a window mount. A spring within the pilot assembly contacts the stripper to force the stripper to reciprocate when the dies are pulled apart. Thus, the pilot assembly helps locate the stock within the metal forming die while also having a stripper to help strip the stock from the pilot.

A pilot assembly and method for metal forming dies has a generally cylindrical pilot with a stripper that strips stock from the pilot when metal forming dies diverge. The pilot assembly is secured to one die member by a fastener by itself or in combination with a window mount. A spring within the pilot assembly contacts the stripper to force the stripper to reciprocate when the dies are pulled apart. Thus, the pilot assembly helps locate the stock within the metal forming die while also having a stripper to help strip the stock from the pilot.

A support apparatus for supporting a steering rack forged in a forging die, comprising a gripper to grip the shank of the rack, a lost-motion mechanism supporting the gripper and permitting limited movement in the direction of closing of the forging die, and a side-shift mechanism to move the gripper sideways. The lost-motion mechanism abuts the die assembly as the forging die closes thereby positioning the gripper to grip the shank of the steering rack during the final closing travel of the forging die. The gripper then lifts the steering rack as the forging die opens. The side-shift mechanism then moves the gripped steering rack sideways.

A support apparatus for supporting a steering rack forged in a forging die, comprising a gripper to grip the shank of the rack, a lost-motion mechanism supporting the gripper and permitting limited movement in the direction of closing of the forging die, and a side-shift mechanism to move the gripper sideways. The lost-motion mechanism abuts the die assembly as the forging die closes thereby positioning the gripper to grip the shank of the steering rack during the final closing travel of the forging die. The gripper then lifts the steering rack as the forging die opens. The side-shift mechanism then moves the gripped steering rack sideways.

A transport apparatus for transferring workpieces in a processing device includes at least two stations having at least two gripping tool units arranged on a gripping tool support which is movable back and forth between the stations of the processing device. The gripping tool support is movably mounted so as to be linearly guided and mounted by a parallelogram guide arrangement so as to be displaceable transversely with respect to its linearly guided movability. The gripping tool support is movable by a gripping tool support drive with two crank gear arrangements each having a gripping tool support drive motor.

A transport apparatus for transferring workpieces in a processing device includes at least two stations having at least two gripping tool units arranged on a gripping tool support which is movable back and forth between the stations of the processing device. The gripping tool support is movably mounted so as to be linearly guided and mounted by a parallelogram guide arrangement so as to be displaceable transversely with respect to its linearly guided movability. The gripping tool support is movable by a gripping tool support drive with two crank gear arrangements each having a gripping tool support drive motor.

In a transport apparatus for transferring workpieces in a multi-station forming device, gripping tools are arranged on a gripping tool support which is movable back and forth between the stations of the forming device. The gripping tools are each assigned a gripping tool drive, which is arranged on the gripping tool support, for individual operation of the gripping tools for gripping or releasing a workpiece. The gripping tools each have two tong arms which are movable linearly towards one another and away from one another by means of the respective gripping tool drive. The gripping tool drives are each configured to be electrically or hydraulically servo-controlled.