Method and apparatus for the automated assembly of major subassemblies

Abstract

The automated assembly of major subassemblies providing for the rapid assembly of parts in predetermined positions by automatically tack fastening (e.g., riveting) mounted parts together or by automatically drilling holes in mounted parts and manually locating other parts is disclosed. After the initial locating steps are completed, assembled parts are permanently fastened together. At each tack or permanent fastener location the automated assembly machine: clamps the parts together with a predetermined amount of force; determines the composite thickness of assembled parts to be fastened together; drills a hole through the assembled parts; selects the correct length fastener to be inserted into the hole; inserts the selected fastener into the hole; secures the selected fastener; and, moves to the next position and repeats this sequence of operations. The illustrated automated assembly machine includes part holding devices (41) mounted on a machine frame (11). The part holding devices (41) support a major subassembly (43) to be riveted in a vertical plane. Opposing carriage mechanisms (63, 65) are located on opposite sides of the supported subassembly. Each carriage mechanism includes a main carriage that is movable in an X-Y manner over its related face of the subassembly. Each main carriage supports either a clamp carriage (141) or a back-up carriage (142) that is movable toward and away from the subassembly (43). The clamp and back-up carriages (141, 143) support shuttle carriages (171). The shuttle carriages, in turn, support: a sensor (200) for sensing part contact; a drill (198) for drilling holes through the assembled parts; an inserter (197) for inserting rivets in the holes; and upset mechanisms (196a, 196b) for upsetting the rivets. The position of the various carriages and the operation of the sensor, drill, rivet inserter and upset mechanisms are controlled by a numerical controller (205) that automatically: positions the main carriages; moves the clamp and back-up carriages into a position such that the region of the subassembly to be riveted is tightly clamped; causes a hole to be drilled; and, a rivet to be selected, inserted and upset. In addition, the numerical controller (205) causes the part holding devices to be released when a rivet is to be inserted in the region of a particular part holding device.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.