Multi-function riveting/fastening machine and method of operating

A riveting machine for riveting sheet metal to stringers or other structural members on a 3-dimensional workpiece having length, width and height, such as large aircraft wing or fuselage panels, comprising:

• a horizontal base having laterally spaced, generally parallel opposite sides;
• means for fixedly supporting the workpiece in a stationary, generally vertical position on said machine base between said opposite sides with its sheet metal surfaces extending generally parallel to the sides;
• at least one riveting unit mounted on said machine base and movable with respect thereto, said riveting unit consisting of a pair of opposed pylons disposed on opposite sides of the workpiece;
• each of said pylons comprising a first vertical component slidably supported for horizontal movement along the adjacent base side, and a
• second horizontal component mounted on said first component with its longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to the line of travel of the pylon, said second component being movable vertically on said first component for a distance to enable it to reach from the top edge of the workpiece to the bottom edge thereof, and one end of said second component being extendable toward and away from the workpiece for a distance to enable it to reach the full width of the workpiece;
• a tool assembly holder mounted on said one end of said second component of each of said pylons, said tool assembly holder being rotatable about horizontal and vertical axes, and said holder being adapted to detachably receive a tool assembly;
• and
• each of said tool assemblies consisting of tools for successively clamping the sheet metal, drilling holes, inserting rivets, and heading the rivets, the tools on one side of the workpiece being axially aligned with and companionate to the tools on the other side, so that simultaneous operation of the opposed tools performs the successive steps of the riveting operation.