Patent ID: 6108896
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: B21J,Y10T

Abstract:
Tool assembly for drilling and riveting parts, comprising:a support structure including a pair of moveable robot arms which are lockable in position,a first and a second frame, mounted opposite each other, each on one of said robot arms,a pair of sheet-holding devices each mounted on one of the frames,first means provided on each of said first and second frames for displacing its respective one of the sheet-holding devices along an axis of movement towards the other sheet-holding device and for exerting a small force along said axis of movement between said sheet holding devices, each of said sheet-holding devices being provided with second means located between said sheet-holding device and the corresponding frame for applying a higher force, along said axis of movement, and against the other sheet holding device, said higher force being sufficient for holding together said parts during a drilling operation, each of said sheet-holding devices being also provided with sensor means responsive to displacement of said sheet-holding device upon contact with one of said parts, each said sheet-holding device being maintained for movement relative to its respective frame only in a direction toward and away from said other sheet-holding device,at least one drill mounted on a support which is articulated on one of said frames, means for displacing said drill relative to said one frame in a direction toward and away from said other frame and said parts to be riveted, means for pivoting said support about an axis parallel to said axis of movement for displacing said drill between a rest position and an active position wherein said active position is coaxial to said axis of movement of the corresponding sheet-holding device,means for placing a rivet in a hole drilled by the drill, these means being carried by one of said frames and provided with means for displacing said means for placing a rivet relative to said one frame between an active position for placing a rivet in said hole and a rest position spaced from said hole by a movement comprising a rectilinear displacement in a direction toward and away from the other frame,a percussion riveting hammer carried by one of the said first and second frames, means for displacing said hammer relative to said one frame between an active position where it engages a rivet placed in said hole and a rest position spaced from said hole by a movement comprising a rectilinear displacement thereof in a direction toward and away from the other frame, anda counter-piece carried by the one of said first and second frames which is not carrying said hammer and integral with a reaction dolly and means including a fluid actuated cylinder for displacing said counter-piece relative to said one frame between an active position and a rest position;the sheet-holding device which is opposed to the drill having vents for discharging chips.