Patent ID: 6253448
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: B21J,Y10T

Abstract:
A system for gripping a rivet element during installation thereof in an assembly, comprising:an actuator assembly;means for gripping a rivet mounted on the actuator assembly;a ram member, also mounted on the actuator assembly, for performing riveting operations on a rivet which has been inserted into an opening in a workpiece, wherein movement of the actuator assembly results in movement of the gripping means and the ram member;means for moving a rivet from a storage location to an initial position, wherein the gripping means is operated to grip the rivet in its initial position in response to a signal command, the gripping means including two opposed gripping elements which move from first positions relatively away from the rivet to second, closed positions positively gripping the rivet;means for moving the actuator assembly so as to move the gripped rivet into the opening in the workpiece, the ram member moving along with the actuator assembly; andmeans for releasing the gripping means as the rivet is moved into the workpiece by the actuator assembly, following insertion of a forward end of the rivet into the opening but prior to the gripping means being pinched against the workpiece, wherein the opposed elements of the gripping means move back to their first position when the gripping means is released, so that the ram member can then be advanced to upset the rivet.