Method for assembling a composite housing fitted with a shaft and associated mounted elements

A device for assembling a composite housing fitted with a shaft and at least one associated mounted element, comprising:

• a support for receiving the housing, the housing having at least one opening configured to receive a shaft;
• an actuator for pushing the shaft through the at least one opening of the housing;
• at least one locating tool structured and arranged to select an associated mounting element to be mounted on the shaft and convey the associated mounting element to a first predetermined position within the housing;
• at least one additional locating tool structured and arranged to select an additional associated mounting element to be mounted on the shaft and convey the additional associated mounting element to a second predetermined position within the housing that is disposed axially spaced apart from the first predetermined position;
• and
• wherein the at least one additional locating tool is moveable with respect to the at least one locating tool when the actuator is operated to push the shaft.

A method for assembling a composite housing fitted with a shaft and at least one associated mounting element, comprising the steps of:

• a) arranging the housing in a predetermined position with respect to an actuator, the housing having an opening configured to receive a shaft;
• b) arranging the shaft in a predetermined position with respect to the housing and the actuator;
• c) selecting a first mounting element to be mounted on the shaft within the housing, the first mounting element having an opening configured to receive the shaft;
• d) conveying the first mounting element into a first predetermined position within the housing;
• e) pushing the shaft via the actuator so that the shaft passes successively through the opening in the housing and the opening in the first mounting element to be mounted;
• wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
• f) subsequent to selecting the first mounting element to be mounted on the shaft within the housing, and prior to conveying the first mounting element into a predetermined position within the housing, further including positioning the first mounting element in a position adjacent to a heat source and heating the first mounting element to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined duration;
• g) selecting a second mounting element to be mounted on the shaft and conveying the second mounting element into a second predetermined position within the housing subsequent to pushing the shaft via the actuator so that the shaft passes successively through the opening in the housing and the opening in the first mounting element to be mounted, the second mounting element having an opening configured to receive the shaft, and wherein subsequent to selecting the second mounting element to be mounted on the shaft within the housing, and prior to conveying the second mounting element into a second predetermined position within the housing, further including positioning the second mounting element in a position adjacent a heat source and heating the second mounting element to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined duration;
• and
• h) pushing the shaft via the actuator so that the shaft passes through the opening in the second mounting element to be mounted;
• wherein the second mounting element is conveyed into the second predetermined position after the shaft passes through the opening in the first mounting element and advances further through the housing past the first mounting element.