PROGRAMMABLE APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR BODY PANEL AND CLINCH NUT ATTACHMENT

摘要

A method and apparatus for forming attachment pads on a panel for attachment of a clinch nut thereto. The panel is formed between a forming die and a fix ed anvil, which occupies a predefined net reference position. A face plate simultaneously "finds" the panel and is mechanically locked into position using a novel force applying device. The face plate maintains the location o f the surface metal around the forming die, thereby forming a raised pad at th e predefined net reference position. The novel force applying device includes self-contained piston modules positioned in tandem. Each module includes a housing having a void and a piston mounted within the void. The piston includes a driven and drive surfaces, wherein fluid pressure acts against th e driven surface to drive the piston in an advanced direction such that the drive surface of the piston abuts another piston for cumulative effect.