LINEARLY LOCATING AND RADIALLY CLAMPING LOCATOR PIN DEVICE

摘要

A locating pin (26/126/226) for locating and holding a part in a predetermined position during automated assembly of a multi-part component, such as sheet metal parts during the automated assembly of an automotive component. The locating pin (26/126/226) includes a casing (68/168/268) whic h defines radial passageways (80/180/280) and clamping members (28/128/228) which travel in the radial passageways (80/180) between a radially receded condition and a radially expanded condition. To locate and hold a part, the locating pin (26/126/226) is positioned for insertion through a locating hol e in the workpiece and the clamping members (28/128/228) are radially expanded at the appropriate time to brace the workpiece against a clamping block so that machining or fabrication operations may be performed. After completion of machining and/or fabrication, the clamping members (28/128/228) may be radially receded to release the work piece for progression to the next assembly station.