초록 ▼

An apparatus for installing rivets or other fasteners through a workpiece includes an automated machine disposed on one side of the workpiece and a hand-held tool that is manipulated by a single worker located on the opposite side of the workpiece. The automated machine includes an end effector supp

An apparatus for installing rivets or other fasteners through a workpiece includes an automated machine disposed on one side of the workpiece and a hand-held tool that is manipulated by a single worker located on the opposite side of the workpiece. The automated machine includes an end effector supporting tools such as a drill and a riveter. The automated machine also includes a guide structure adapted to be releasably affixed to the workpiece, and a carriage that travels along the guide structure and supports the end effector so that the end effector can be positioned in various locations along the surface of the workpiece where fasteners are to be installed. The end effector includes an electromagnetic clamping device, and the hand-held tool includes a magnetic clamping block that is attracted by the clamping device to clamp the workpiece therebetween. The end effector generates a positioning signal and the hand-held tool includes a detector for detecting the positioning signal. The detector is operable to generate guidance information telling the person operating the hand-held tool where to move the hand-held tool so as to align the tool with the end effector of the automated machine. Once the hand-held tool is aligned with the end effector, the electromagnetic clamping device is activated to clamp the workpiece, and then the end effector tools are operated to drill a hole and to install a rivet or other fastener into the hole.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for installing a fastener in a workpiece, comprisingdisposing a drilling and fastener installation machine adjacent a first surface of the workpiece such that an electromagnetic clamping device of the machine is against the first surface; placing a hand-held tool adjacent an opposite sec

1. A method for installing a fastener in a workpiece, comprisingdisposing a drilling and fastener installation machine adjacent a first surface of the workpiece such that an electromagnetic clamping device of the machine is against the first surface; placing a hand-held tool adjacent an opposite second surface of the workpiece such that a magnetic clamping block of the tool is against the second surface; sending a positioning signal from the drilling and fastener installation machine to the hand-held tool; detecting the positioning signal at the hand-held tool; aligning the hand-held tool with the electromagnetic clamping device based on the detected positioning signal; activating the electromagnetic clamping device after the hand-held tool has been aligned, so as to cause the magnetic clamping block and the electromagnetic clamping device to be attracted toward each other and clamp the workpiece therebetween; and operating the drilling and fastener installation machine to drill a hole through the workpiece and install a fastener into the hole.