| 摘要 |
<p>An apparatus for assembling panel-shaped workpieces (W) such as aircraft wing panels includes a travelling gantry (12) that supports a tool-holding frame (16) on which are supported a plurality of tools (36,38a,38b,40) such as drills, riveters, rivet shavers, inspection tools, and the like. The frame (16) is movable along a plurality of axes and is rotatable about at least one axis for positioning the tools in relation to the workpiece. The apparatus also includes a fixture (50) for holding a workpiece (W), the fixture comprising a plurality of slidable holders (54) that can be extended or retracted along a horizontal direction generally perpendicular to the surfaces of a wing panel or the like. The holders (54) have clamps and/or vacuum cups for engaging the workpiece to hold the workpiece in a desired position. The holders (54) are retractable to create a clearance between the workpiece (W) and the holders (54) to allow the frame (16) to be passed through the clearance. The gantry (12) can be rotated about a vertical axis by differentially driving one wheel assembly (219,219') along one of the rails (220,220') relative to the other wheel assembly (219,219') on the other rail (220,220'). The tool-holding frame (16) can comprise a U-shaped yoke that passes beneath a workpiece (W), or a foursided frame that is open in the middle for receiving a workpiece therethrough. The tools can be slidably mounted on the frame for vertical movement therealong. <IMAGE></p> |
