Control system for automotive vehicle component assembly lines

Control of an automotive vehicle component assembling system having one or more series of assembly lines used in common for assembling various models, standards and/or specifications of vehicle component is provided by converting information and instructions relating to various models, standards and/or specifications of vehicle component into a sign. The sign is fitted onto one of the part of the component. Information and instructions from the sign are detected automatically to control picking up of parts and assembling operations in each assembly line.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention generally relates to an system for and method of 
assembling automotive vehicle components. The invention particularly 
relates to a system for and method of controlling assembling of automotive 
vehicle components, in which at least one series of assembly lines is used 
in common for assembling various models and/or specifications of vehicles. 
More specifically, the invention relates to a system for and method of 
controlling an assembling system having at least one assembly line for 
vehicle bodies used as a common assembly line for assembling various 
models and/or specifications of vehicle bodies. 
In automotive vehicle factories, series common assembly lines are used for 
assembling various models and/or specifications of automotive vehicle 
components. For example, in lines for assembling various models and/or 
specifications of vehicle bodies, there is a series including at least a 
common floor assembly line, a body assembly line and a body assembly 
finishing line for assembling various models and/or specifications of 
vehicle bodies. Generally, the series of assembly lines includes a special 
treatment line for vehicle bodies having special specifications. Such 
vehicle body assembling systems have used instruction papers containing 
information and instructions for selecting the line to be used, necessary 
parts, and processing procedures in accordance with production schedules 
or plans for the automotive vehicle components. The instruction papers are 
delivered to each assembly line in the system. On each line, workers 
sequentially arrange the respective parts which are applied to respective 
models and specifications of vehicle bodies, according to the instructions 
in the instruction papers, and operate assembling machines employed in the 
line to carry out the assembling operations. After finishing the 
assembling operation required in the line, the workers select the next 
line to process each specified model and vehicle body specifications and 
send the vehicle thereto according to the instruction papers. 
However, in such system, where the workers of each assembly line previously 
arrange the parts to be assembled into the vehicle body in order, 
according to the instructions contained in the instruction paper, it is 
necessary to check the model and vehicle body specifications forwarded 
from the prior line, to see whether or not the model of the vehicle body 
forwarded is correct relative to the instructions. 
Thereafter, the assembling operation is performed in accordance with the 
instructions contained in the instruction paper. After completing the 
required assembling operation, the workers in the line again check the 
assembly to confirm that the correct parts are being assembled and that 
the operations are correct. The assembly is then forwarded to succeeding 
lines, selected according to the instruction papers. Such checking must be 
made in each of the assembly lines, resulting in inefficiency of 
assembling system of the vehicle bodies. 
Further, in the vehicle body assembly lines, there may often arise a 
necessity to force a body of unexpected models and specifications out of 
the order contained in the instruction papers into the line. Such 
necessity may arise, for example, by a new and special order from the 
customer. In such a situation, the special order vehicle body is often 
assembled prior to standard models and specifications of vehicle bodies to 
comply with the customer's request. Such special vehicles are thus entered 
into the assembly lines out of the order defined in the instruction 
papers. In this case the workers are required to visually detect or find 
such a vehicle body, before directing it into the assembling operation. 
When the workers detect or find the aforementioned special models and 
specifications for the vehicle body, they must arrange respective parts to 
be applied thereto and perform the assembling operation in accordance with 
the procedure or specification designated in the specific vehicle body. In 
this case, serious confusion may occur to each assembly line. Further, if 
some assembly lines neglect to detect or find that the vehicle bodies are 
not of the instructions in the instruction papers and continue the 
assembling operation according to the instruction papers, unacceptable 
vehicle bodies may be produced. 
To avoid such mis-assembling, that the workers of each line must detect the 
models and specifications of the vehicle bodies to be assembled and 
compare the same with that designated in the instruction papers for 
confirmation. Thereafter, each part to be assembled in the line is 
selected and used in the assembling operation, according to the 
specification and procedures included in the instruction papers. 
In such conventional systems, it is required for each worker to possess an 
ability to distinguish the models of the vehicle bodies which are 
forwarded, in practice, to the assembly line one by one. It is difficult 
to distinguish slight differences in specifications of the vehicle bodies, 
at a glance. As a result, the assembling operation may be rather slow, 
resulting in inefficiency and low-productivity of the assembly line. The 
level of the labor skill must also be higher in order to reliably 
distinguish and recognize the various types of informations. Serious 
problems may arise due to the lack and high cost of skilled laborers. 
In such a conventional system, since, distinguishing of the models and/or 
specification of the vehicle bodies relies upon the ability of human 
labor, the workers' energy might be unnecessarily exhausted. This may also 
cause possible mistakes in distinguishing the models and specifications of 
the body and of assembling operations. 
In recent years, there has been provided a centralized computer control 
system for assembly lines, such a system being called a "tracking system". 
In this system, the instruction papers are replaced by instructions and 
information derived from the computer. 
Information relative to the order of the vehicle bodies to be worked on by 
the assembly lines, models and specifications of respective bodies, 
necessary parts, order of processing and so on are supplied to the 
computer. The computer generates information and instruction signals which 
are fed to the respective areas. 
To provide sufficient and sucessful controlling operations, large, high 
capacity computers are required which may significantly increase the cost 
of the assembly facilities. Further, employment of large computers may 
also require incidental facilities, for example an air-conditioning 
system. 
Although the computerized controlling system for assembly lines can reduce 
the responsibility of the workers and can raise reliability of operation, 
it is still complicated with the computer system to keep track of changes 
in the order of assembling the bodies which may be caused by forcing in or 
taking out a body unexpectedly. Namely, if the necessity for forcing in or 
taking out of a special model, standard and/or specifications of the 
vehicle body arises, the instruction or information signal should be fed 
back to the computer to correct stored information therein. Therefore, the 
computer in the prior system cannot respond to a change in a given order 
according to a previous input order. 
By using a larger or more complicated computer system for controlling the 
assmbly lines, it may be possible to improve efficiency of the assembling 
operation. However, one can also expected increased costs for the computer 
itself and its facilities, as well as complicated operation. Further, in 
such a computerized controlling system, if there is some accident or 
damage even at one terminal of the system, the accident or damage affects 
the whole system. Furthermore, if damage, accident or malfunction occurs 
inside the computer, all the assembly lines are stopped. 
The present invention removes the aforementioned disadvantages or 
inconveniences in the prior control systems by including all the necessary 
information and instructions with respect to a model standard and/or 
specifications of the vehicle body on the respective vehicle bodies, 
thereby making it possible to respond easily to any change of a given 
order for performing an assembling operation. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system for 
and method of controlling automotive vehicle component assembly lines 
capable of responding to any change and accurately controlling the 
respective assembly lines. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a control system and 
method for a vehicle component assembling system capable of supplying 
necessary information and instructions for assembling vehicle components 
without being adversely influenced by any change in a given order. 
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a control 
system and method for reducing or saving expenses for a vehicle component 
assembling system. 
To accomplish the above-mentioned objects, there is provided, in accordance 
with the present invention, there is provided a system and method for 
controlling an automotive vehicle component assembling system having one 
or more assembly lines which is used in common for assembling various 
models, standard and/or specifications of vehicle components. The assembly 
lines can be floor assembly lines, body assembly lines and/or additional 
equipment assembly lines. The control system comprises a first means for 
converting information and instructions relating to various models, 
standard and/or specifications of vehicles into a sign. A second means 
attaches said sign onto one part of the vehicle componet. A third means 
obtains necessary information and instructions from said sign and converts 
the sign into control signals for controlling assembling operations in the 
line.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring now to the drawings, particularly to FIG. 1, there is 
schematically illustrated a general vehicle body assembling system. The 
assembling system has a plurality of assembly lines through which the 
various models, standard and/or specifications of vehicle bodies are 
assembled. The assembling system generally comprises two series of a first 
floor assembly line 100 in which, generally, floor members of the vehicle 
bodies are assembled into a floor assembly (as shown in FIG. 2), a second 
body assembly line 200 in which, generally, main body members of the 
vehicle bodies are assembled to the floor assembly and into a body 
assembly (as shown in FIG. 3) and a third body assembly finishing line 300 
in which additional parts of the vehicle bodies are assembled to the body 
assembly, (as shown in FIG. 4) thus completing the assembling process. 
It should be noted that, in the present application, respective assembly 
lines 100,200 and 300 are organized in a known manner. Therefore, that the 
organization and construction of each assembly line 100,200 and 300 are 
not essential features with respect to the invention. In the present 
specification, since each of lines 100,200 and 300 is a part of a known 
vehicle body assembling system, each assembly line 100,200 or 300 may not 
be illustrated in detailed construction and operation; thus the 
construction and operation of each line should not be understood to cause 
any limitation on this application. 
As shown in FIG. 1, at the downstream end of the floor assembling line 100, 
there are provided separate lines I, II diverging from a junction 400. The 
vehicle bodies are selectively forwarded to one of the series of lines I, 
II through point switching means 400 of a conveyor; selection of line I or 
II corresponds to models and/or specifications so as to be assembled into 
the vehicle body as designated. While FIG. 1 includes two series of 
assembly lines, it should be understood that two lines are shown merely as 
an example to illustrate the invention. The number of lines may be 
increased or decreased as desired. 
Between the body assembly line 200 and the body assembly finishing line 
300, there is provided, in series, a line 500 in which is performed 
special treatment, for example forming apertures for bodies of special 
models and/or specifications. As shown in FIG. 2, in the floor assembly 
line 1, front body member 10, front floor panel 12 rear floor panel 14 and 
side members 16 are assembled into a floor assembly 18. The floor assembly 
18 is shown in FIG. 3. The respective parts of the floor assemblies 18 
vary corresponding to the models and/or specifications of vehicles. Each 
part is checked for appropriateness to the specified model, specifications 
and/or standard of the vehicle body to be assembled. In practice such 
checking is performed before and after the assembling operation for each 
part in the floor assembly 18. 
The floor main assembly 18 is forwarded through a conveyor line of 
respective series I, II to the body assembly line 200. The floor assembly 
18 is selectively forwarded through the conveyor lines of the series I, II 
corresponding to the model and/or specifications of vehicle to be 
assembled. As shown in FIG. 3, body side panels 20, 21, roof panel 22, 
real panel 24, cowl assembly 26 and parcel-shelf 28 are assembled to the 
floor assembly 18 in the body assembly line 200 in the series. The body 
side panels 20, 21 roof panel 24, cowl assembly 26 and parcel-shelf 28 
comprise, together with the floor assembly 18, a body assembly 29. The 
cowl assembly 26 is often assembled with the dash box member, as a 
subassembly. The main body assembly 29, shown in FIG. 4, is assembled in 
the body assembly line 200, where the illustrated parts are assembled 
together with the body assembly 18. On the body assembling line 200, 
respective parts assembled to the floor assembly 18, to form the body 
assembly 29, are varied according to the models and/or specifications of 
the vehicles. At the second line 200, each part assembled to the floor 
assembly 18 is checked for the model and/or specifications of the vehicle 
body to be assembled before being assembled together with the body side 
panels 20, 21 into the main body assembly 29. 
The main body assembly 29 is forwarded through the line 500 to the body 
assembly finishing line 300. As shown in FIG. 4, on the body assembly 
finishing line 300, a front fender member 30, a pair of front door members 
32, a pair of rear door members 34, a hood member 36 and a trunk lid 
member 38 are assembled to the main body assembly 29 of the vehicle body. 
Thus, a vehicle body of a specified model and specification is assembled 
through a series of assembly lines. 
If the vehicle body requires special treatment in accordance with the 
specifications, the special treatment according to an instruction 
contained in the specification is performed in the line 500. In this line, 
special treatment, for example forming apertures at specified positions or 
assembling special equipment, is performed. 
Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 18, in which are illustrated a preferred system 
for embodying the vehicle body assembling system according to the present 
invention. Since the constitution of each line in the series II is 
substantially the same as that of the series I, the series II is omitted 
in FIG. 5. 
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, upstream of the floor assembly line 100, there is 
provided a section 600 including a pre-assembly line 602 for assembling 
the front body members 10. The front body members 10 assembled in the line 
602 are forwarded to a storage section 610 to be stored therein. Upon 
forwarding to the storage section 610, the front body members 10 are 
separated and sorted into respective models, standards and/or 
specifications at an outlet 604 of each line 602 in which a device 606 for 
sorting front body members into respective models and/or specifications is 
provided. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the storage section 610 is divided 
into a plurality of storage rooms 611 to 616 in which respective models of 
front body members 10 sorted by the sorting device 606 are stored in 
respective rooms corresponding to models, standards and/or specifications 
by a lifter device 620 having a plurality of lifters 621 to 626. 
Lifter device 620 is controlled by a control signal generated by the 
sorting device 606 to lift respective front body members 10 to designated 
storage rooms corresponding to the decision made by the srting device 606. 
In practice, it can be expected that, the sorting device 606 separates the 
models of the front body member 10 in various ways. For example, such 
separation of the models of the front body members 10 can be carried out 
by a photoelectric tube or limit switch detecting the length of the member 
10 or position, size or existence of apertures formed on the member 10. 
The front body members 10 sorted in the storage rooms 611 to 616 are 
selectively removed the rooms 611 to 616 by one of a plurality of lifters 
631 to 636 of a lifter device 630. The lifter device 630 is controlled by 
a control signal generated by a controller 640. 
The controller 640 generates control signals corresponding to input signals 
generated by a tape-reader 642 electrically connected to the controller 
640. Into the tape-reader 642, an instruction tape 644 made according to 
information or instructions for assembling the vehicle bodies 
corresponding to designated models and/or specifications of the vehicle is 
supplied. Tape 644 contains the instructions or information in instruction 
papers used in the conventional assembling systems. 
As shown in FIG. 6, at the outlet of each of storage rooms 611 to 616, 
there is provided a device 650 for sorting the front body members 10 to be 
taken out by the lifter device 630. The sorting device 650 confirms that 
the front body member 10 to be taken out is the designated front body 
member. After confirmation of the correct front body member, the lifter 
device 630 operates one of lifters 631 to 636 to take out the appropriate 
member 10. The front body member 10 taken out from one of the storage 
rooms 611 to 616 is forwarded to the first line 100 through a conveying 
device 652 such as a belt conveyor. 
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, between the storage section 610 and the floor 
assembly line 100, there is provided a section 660 for labelling on the 
front side portions of the front body members 10. The labelling section 
660 generally comprises a printer 670 electrically connected to the 
controller 640, for printing codes 664 (FIGS. 7 and 9) on labels 666 
(FIGS. 7-9), and a device 680 for sticking the label 666 on the front side 
portions of the front body member 10. 
It should be understood that the label 666 may be placed anywhere on the 
vehicle body and, therefore, the following description in which the label 
666 is placed on the front side portion of the front body member, does not 
affect this invention as a limiting feature. Further, the label may be 
stuck on any other part of the floor assembly. When the label is stuck on 
the other parts, the labelling section 660 should be located corresponding 
to the parts supplying section through which parts to receive the label 
are forwarded. Furthermore, it is also expected that the labelling may be 
performed in other assembly lines as necessary. 
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the printer 670 comprises a printing head 672 
printing a code 664 on the label 666 corresponding to a control signal 
generated by the controller 640, and a plunger 674 having a head 676 
movable to and fro with respect to a cutter edge 678 opposite to the head 
676. 
In practice, the code 664 may be formed in various ways. However, in the 
preferred embodiment, the code 664 consists of a plurality of lines having 
varying thicknesses and which are arranged to from a specific sign 
involving assembling instructions corresponding to the control signal, as 
shown in FIG. 9. 
As shown in FIG. 9, the label 666 is in the form of a series of parallel 
lines or bars 669. After printing a code 664, the label 666 is cut to the 
desired size and shaped by moving the plunger head 676 toward the cutter 
edge 678 so the the head enters the interior clearance of the cutter edge. 
The printer 672 and the plunger 674 are operated in synchronism with one 
another with a given timing so as to make a label 666 having a code 664 in 
exact form, as shown in FIG. 9. 
A sticking device 680 for label 666 comprises a plunger 682 having a head 
684. Device 680 is pivoted at supporting shaft 686 so as to rotate about 
the shaft 686 in a substantially horizontal direction, and includes a 
driving means 688 having a motor 690 and gears 692. The plunger head 684 
is movable to and fro with respect to the printer 670 and with respect to 
the front body member 10. At the position opposite to the printer 670, the 
plunger head 684 can enter into the interior clearance of cutter edge 678 
to take out the label 666. 
Preferably, the back side of label 666 is provided with a magnetic member 
668, as shown in FIG. 9. In one preferred construction, the magnetic 
member 668 is a rubber sheet composed of a magnetic material. The plunger 
head 684 is made of magnetic material to attract the label onto it by 
magnetic attraction. Head 684 brings label 666 to the front body member 10 
that is being transported on the conveying device 652. The motion of 
sticking device 680 is synchronized to the printer 670 so that the plunger 
head 684 of the sticking device 680 can take out the label 666 by magnetic 
attraction between the label 666 and head 684. The head 684 then moves 
away from the printer 670, and rotates toward the front body member 10. By 
driving the motor 690, the plunger 682 is rotated through an acute angle 
to face the front side portion of the front body member 10; plunger 682 is 
then actuated to move the head 684 toward the front body member 10. The 
head 684 finally contacts the front side portion of the front body member 
10. The label 666 is this attached to the front side portion of the front 
body member 10 and then released from the head 684. 
Adjacent to the sticking device 680, there is provided a reader 694 to read 
the code 664 on the label 666 stuck on the front body member 10. The 
instruction of the code 664 read by the reader 694 is fed back to the 
printer 666 or controller 640 and then compared with the designated code. 
When the code 664 of the label 666 stuck on the front door member 10 
matches the designated code, the front body is fed into the floor assembly 
line 100. 
In practice, it is be understood that the code 664 is not always printed on 
the label. It may be embodied otherwise; for example, the code may be 
directly printed or formed on one of the parts of the vehicle body. 
However, employment of the label provides convenience and advantages for 
printing the code and attaching or removing of the same. The reader for 
reading the label 666 can be embodied in various forms. In the present 
embodiment, there is employed an optical reader using a laser. 
At the downstream end of the labelling section, there is provided a reader 
102 to read the code 664 on the label 666; reader 102 may be substantially 
same as the reader 694. The reader 102 reads the code 664 and modulates 
instruction signals from the code 664. The signal is fed to devices 
104,106 of pre-assembling section 110 provided upstream of the floor 
assembly line 100, for removing the designated parts to be assembled into 
the floor assembly 18 corresponding to the designated vehicle body. As 
shown in FIG. 5, upstream of the pre-assembling section 110, there is 
provided a storage section 120 having a plurality of storage rooms 
121,122,123 . . . for storing various models of rear floor panels 14 and a 
storage section 130 having a plurality of storage rooms 131,132,133 . . . 
for storing various models of front floor panels 12. Opposite to 
respective storage rooms 121,122, 123 . . . and 131,132,133 . . . , there 
are provided the devices 104,106 for taking out the designated rear floor 
panel 14 and front floor panel 12 from the storage sections 120 and 130, 
according to the instruction signals transmitted from the reader 102. The 
rear floor panel 14 taken out of the storage rooms 121,122,123 . . . is 
processed through pre-assembling line 140, before it undergoes the 
assembling operation in the first line 100. The front floor panel 12 
removed from the storage rooms 131,132,133 . . . is also processed through 
a pre-assembly line 150, before it is subjected to assembling operation in 
the first line 100. Thereafter, rear floor panel 14 and front floor panel 
12 are assembled in the floor assembly line 100 and then assembled into 
the floor assembly 18 together with the front body member 10 attached in 
the section 600. The first line 100 for assembling the floor assembly is 
constructed in any of various known manners. The assembling machines in 
line 100 can be arranged in a known manner. Though not clearly 
illustrated, the side members may be assembled to either the front or the 
rear floor members on the pre-assembly line. 
As shown in FIG. 2, the floor assembly 18 assembled in the first section 
100 is forwarded to one of two second body assembly line sections 200. As 
shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, downstream of the floor assembly line 100, there 
is provided a point switching means 400. Between the floor assembly line 
100 and the point switching means 400, there is provided a reader 404 for 
the code printed on label 666 attached to front side portion of the front 
body 10 member which is now assembled on floor assembly 18. The reader 404 
reads the code or label 666 to generate an instruction signal coupled to a 
controller 406 for a plunger 408 provided opposite to the junction 400. 
The plunger 410 is connected to an element 408 mounted on a pair of angled 
rails 412 and 414, FIG. 10, on element 10. 
As shown in FIG. 10, the rails 412,414 are angled at a substantially 
longitudinal central portion thereof in opposite directions with respect 
to one another. Each angle of the rails 412,414 matches the angle defined 
by each pair of longitudinal axes of the tracks 402, 416 or 402, 418. 
Thus, when the rear portion 426 of the rail 414 is aligned with the track 
402, as shown in thick line in FIG. 10, the front portion 428 of the rail 
414 is aligned with track 418. When the element 410 is in the position 
shown by the dotted line in FIG. 10, the front and rear portions 432,430 
of the rail 412 are respectively aligned with tracks 416 and 402. 
The plunger 408 moves the element 410 from the first position to the second 
position or from the second position to the first position to connect 
either the rail 412 or rail 414 to the track 402. The plunger 408 is 
controlled by the controller 406 which generates an instruction signal for 
actuating the plunger 408 to move the element 410. The control for plunger 
408 corresponds to the instruction involved in the code of label 666 stuck 
on the front side portion of the front body member 10 which is now 
assembled into the floor assembly 18 to be forwarded. 
When, the floor assembly 18 passes through the portion of the track 402 
where the reader 404 is provided, the reader 404 reads the code of the 
label and supplies a signal corresponding to the code to the controller 
406. The controller 406 generates an instruction signal according to the 
instruction involved in the code so as to select either the track 416 or 
the track 418 to which the floor assembly 18 is forwarded. According to 
the instruction signal, the plunger actuates to move the element 410, as 
stated previously. 
The floor assembly 18 is thus forwarded to either the track 416 of the 
first series I or the or the track 414 of the second series II so as to be 
processed and assembled according to designated procedure and designated 
parts in the instruction contained in the code. 
Through the junction 400, the floor assembly 18 is forwarded to the body 
assembly line 200. Upstream of the body assembly line 200, there is 
provided a reader 202 (FIG. 5) for the code printed on the label 666 on 
the front side portion of the front body member 10 now being assembled 
into the floor assembly 18. The reader 202 senses an instruction signal 
from the code it reads on label 666. The signal is then supplied to a 
controller 204. The controller 204 generates a control signal for 
controlling side body member supply sections 210. 
As shown in FIGS. 5, 11 and 12, the side body panel supply section 210 
comprises opposed pairs of side body panel storage chambers 211, 212 . . . 
and 221, 222 . . . for storing the side body panels 20, 21 in sorted 
positions. The side body panels storage chambers 211, 212 . . . and 221, 
222 . . . are provided in parallel relationship to the body assembly line 
200 and the outlet of the storage chambers 211, 212 . . . are opposite to 
the outlet of the storage chambers 221, 222 . . . In respective side body 
member storage chambers 211, 212 . . . , and 221, 222 . . . , various 
models, for examples sedan model, hard-top model and so on, of the side 
body panels 20,21 are stored in order. In practice, it will be possible to 
independently store the side body panels in assorted position in each 
storage chamber. However it will be convenient and advantageous to store 
each sorted left side body panels in a chamber opposite to a chamber 
storing right side body corresponding thereto. In the side body storage 
chambers 211,212 . . . and 221,222 . . . , there is provided an endless 
track 230 having a portion 232 which laterally extends through the 
portions 241,242 . . . between the outlets of the chambers 211, 212 . . . 
and 221, 222 . . . where hoisting device 251, 252 . . . are provided. 
Along the track 230 a plurality of self-propelled lifter devices 234 are 
provided. Each lifter device 234 has a driving means so as to travel along 
the track 230. The driving means may be actuated under a control for 
providing given intervals between adjacent lifter devices 234. The lifter 
device 234 preferably cooperates with the track 416 so as to transfer the 
side body members 20, 21 in synchronism with the forwarding of the floor 
assembly 18. Each lifter device 234 has two pairs of hooks 236 to lift up 
respective side body panels 20, 21 and bring them to the assembling 
portion 206 of the body assembling section 200. 
As shown in FIG. 11, the instruction signal detected by the reader 202 is 
transmitted to the portions 241, 242 . . . to control the hoisting device 
251, 252 . . . for picking up designated side body panel 20, 21. The 
instruction signal from the reader 202 is also supplied to the controller 
204 so for propelling of the lifter devices 234. The lifter devices 234 
are controlled so they are propelled in synchronism with the operation of 
hoisting devices 251, 252 . . . . 
On the side of side body panels supplying section 210 opposite from the 
body assembly line 200, there are provided a plurality of storage chambers 
261, 262 . . . respectively storing various types of roof panels 22, rear 
panels 24, cowl assemblys 26 (FIG. 4) which are often provisionally 
assembled with dash box member into cowl-dash subassembly and parcel-shelf 
members 28 (FIG. 3). The chambers 261, 262 . . . may be grouped into 
several groups for storing respective parts independently. Adjacent to the 
outlets of each group of chambers 261, 262 . . . , there are provided 
lifter devices 271, 272 . . . for picking up the designated types of parts 
and bringing them to the assembly line 200. Respective lifter devices 271, 
272 . . . are controlled by a control signal detected by the reader 202, 
as shown in FIG. 5. Each of lifter devices 271 and 272 is operated in 
synchronism with the procedure of the assembling line 200 and with other 
lifter devices. 
In the body assembly line, there are employed and arranged various types of 
assembling devices. For example, one of the known assembling devices to be 
applied in the body assembling line is disclosed in previously published 
and examined Japanese Patent application (Kokoku Tokkyo Koho) No. 
53-21,542. In the publication No. 53-21542, there are generally disclosed 
and illustrated a method and an apparatus for assembling an automotive 
vehicle body structure. The method comprises the steps of: providing a 
vehicle body floor panel and a pair of body side panels; conveying the 
floor panel to a predetermined substantially horizontal working position; 
vertically suspending the side panels in a closely horizontally spaced 
condition; downwardly conveying the side panels and simultaneously 
gradually increasing the horizontal spacing between the side panels to 
position the side panels at a first temporary position above the working 
position and horizontally spaced parallel to each other and extending 
substantially parallel to the fore-and-aft direction of the floor panel; 
positioning the respective lower ends of the side panels laterally of the 
floor panel at predetermined lateral positions respectively on opposite 
sides of the floor panel; positioning the side panels longitudinally of 
the floor panel at predetermined fore-and-aft positions relative to the 
floor panel; tilting the side panels away from each other about the 
respective lower ends of the side panels to second temporary positions; 
moving the side panels laterally inwardly of the floor panel to position 
the side panels for welding the same to the floor panel; and welding the 
side panels to the floor panel to form a unitary vehicle body structure. 
An apparatus disclosed in the publication comprises: first conveying means 
for moving a floor panel into a substantially horizontal working position; 
jig means including at least one pair of elongated members which are 
rockable about respective axes located in the vicinity of the lower ends 
of the rockable members and extending substantially parallel to the 
fore-and-aft direction of the body structure to be assembled, the rockable 
members being rockable between substantially upright positions on both 
sides of the body structure to be assembled and inclined positions which 
are inclined away from each other about the axes; second conveying means 
for concurrently moving a pair of side panels downward into first 
temporary positions between and respectively adjacent the rockable member 
in the inclined position; first guiding and positioning means mounted on 
each of the rockable members and engageable with the lower end of the 
panel adjacent the rockable member for guiding the lower end of the side 
panel into a predetermined lateral position relative to the associated 
rockable member held in the inclined position thereof; manipulating means 
mounted on each of the rockable members and engageable with predetermined 
upper portion of the associated side panel for supporting the side panel 
with the lower end of the side panel held in the predetermined lateral 
position; second guiding and positioning means mounted on each of the 
rockable members and engageable with at least one predetermined portion of 
the associated side panel for guiding the side panel into a predetermined 
fore-and-aft position relative to the associated rockable member in the 
inclined position so that the side panels are moved into second temporary 
position; position holding means mounted on each of the rockable member 
and movable into locking engagement with the associated side panel in the 
second temporary position thereof, the rockable members being held in the 
inclined positions while the side panels are being moved from the first 
temporary positions and being moved from the inclined positions into the 
upright positions while the side panels are engaged by the position 
holding means for thereby moving the side panels into respective working 
positions ready to be welded to the floor panel in the working position 
thereof, and welding means for automatically welding the side panels to 
the floor panel. 
It is clearly understood that in the present invention, the particular 
construction or arrangement and/or assembling devices to be employed in 
the line are not essential, therefore; the body assembly line described as 
an example can be embodied in any device or any arrangement of the device 
within a range. 
Downstream of the body assembly line 200, there is provided a product 
number impressing section 700 for impressing a product number on the body 
assembly 29 forwarded from the body assembly line 200. As shown in FIGS. 5 
and 13, at the inlet of the section 700, there is provided, adjacent track 
416, a reader 702 for reading the code printed on the label 666 which is 
attached on the front body member 10 now being assembled into body 
assembly 29. 
As shown in FIG. 13, the reader 702 reads the code 664 on the label 666 and 
derives a signal containing information of the product number. The 
information signal is fed into a controller 704. The controller 704 has 
display 706,708 to indicate the specific product numbers of the body 
assembly 29 to be impressed on the vehicle body. On the upper display 706, 
the specific number contained in the code 664 detected by reader 702 is 
indicated. The information signal including the information of the product 
number is fed from the controller 704 to a numbering device 710 to set the 
numbering elements of the numbering device 710 in accordance with the 
instruction of the information signal. After the setting operation, the 
numbering device 710 generates a feedback signal containing product number 
information set on the numbering device 710. The feedback signal is 
supplied to the controller 704 and indicated on the lower display 708. 
Workers at section 700 compare the numbers in upper and lower displays 
706,708 respectively indicating the specific product numbers for 
confirmation. When the numbers indicated in the upper and lower display 
706,708 match, then instruction signal for performing a numbering 
operation is transmitted to the numbering device 710. 
If desired, comparing the information with respect to product numbers 
contained in the code and of set of models of numbering device for 
confirmation and instructing to carry out the impressing operation can be 
automatically performed by employing comparing means for electrically or 
mechanically comparing the numbers in the controller 704. For example, 
such comparing operation can be accomplished by a series of AND gates, 
such that one of input terminal of each gate is connected to upper display 
706 and the other input terminal is connected to a corresponding lower 
display. The numbering device continues the product number setting 
operation until the output signal from the final AND gate is fed thereto. 
As shown in FIG. 13, the numbering device is suspended from a pair of 
stationary rails 712 by a means for installing frame 714 which is fixedly 
engaged to the rails at both ends 716 thereof. The frame 714 has an 
aperture 718 at the central portion thereof so as to fixedly receive a 
cylinder 720 which may be electrically operated to move a main body 722 of 
the numbering device 710 corresponding to control signal from the 
controller 704. The main body 722 is connected at the lower end of a 
cylinder rod 724 of the cylinder to be moved up and down by the cylinder 
720. 
As shown in FIG. 14, the main body 722 of numbering device 219 has a 
substantially C-shaped yoke 726 which is connected to the cylinder rod 724 
by means of pin-joint 728 so as to rotate about an axle 730 with respect 
to the rod 724. A sub-cylinder 732 is fitted to a lower portion of the rod 
724 through a bracket 734. The cylinder rod 736 of the sub-cylinder 732 is 
also connected to the yoke 726 through a bracket 738 so that the yoke 726 
can be rotated about an axle 740 with respect to the rod 736. Thus, the 
yoke 726 can be rotated about the axle 730 to the position shown by the 
dotted line in FIG. 14, when the sub-cylinder 732 is actuated to pull up 
the yoke 726. Then, the free end 727 of the yoke 726 contacts a portion 
742 of the body assembly 29. In the preferred embodiment, the product 
number is impressed on cowl assembly 26. Therefore, the end 727 is pressed 
against the portion 742 of the cowl assembly 26. 
The yoke 726 is provided with a slit or recess 744 at the portion 746 of 
substantially C-shaped configuration to suspend a numbering element 750 
therefrom through a bracket 748 so that the element 750 can move 
therealong together with the bracket 748. The yoke 726 is further provided 
with a cylinder 752 on the portion 754. The end of the cylinder rod 756 of 
the cylinder 752 is connected to the numbering element 750 so as to move 
the element 750 along the slit or recess 744 to and fro with respect to 
the portion 742. The numbering element 750 is thus movable to and fro with 
respect to the portion 742 of the cowl assembly 26. 
As shown in FIG. 15, the numbering element 750 comprises a plurality of 
wheels 758, each having a plurality of projections 760 respectively 
defining numbers and/or letters. Each numbering wheel 758 is formed with 
an aperture 762 at the center thereof. The numbering wheels 758 are 
aligned so that the aperture 762 thereof is aligned to receive an axle 764 
therethrough. Each roller 758 is independently rotatable about the axle 
764, with respect to one another. Each roller 758 is fixedly fitted with a 
gear 766 which is also rotatable about the axle 764. Each gear 766 is 
selectively engaged by a lever 768 having a claw 770 on one end thereof 
for engagement with the gear 766. The other end of each lever 768 is 
pivoted at a plunger head 772 of a hydraulic plunger 774 which is provided 
with ports 776, 778 for discharging working liquid of the plunger 774. A 
source (not shown) for supplying the working liquid to the plunger 774 may 
include an electric actuation means operated by the control signal 
corresponding to the code 664 and involving an instruction relating to 
product numbers. The working liquid is supplied to the port 776 of plunger 
774 to move the plunger heat 772 forward and thus, to move the lever 768 
forward so as to rotate gear 766 which is attached to numbering wheel 758. 
Supplying the working fluid to the port 778 causes plunger 774 to move 
backward in plunger head 772, thus moving the lever 768 backward. Repeated 
forward and backward movement of the plunger head 772 by lever 768 causes 
numbering wheel 758 to be rotated in sequence so as to align model faces 
respectively defining designated numbers of letters. 
Each gear 766 also engages a stopper lever 780 having a claw 782 on one end 
thereof for engagement with the gear 766. The lever 780 prevents reversed 
rotation of gear 766. The lever 780 is pivoted to the body of the 
numbering element so the lever can rotate about an axle 784; the lever is 
also biased toward the gear 766 by a resilient spring member 786, one end 
of which is fixedly secured on the body. 
A counting gear 788 is further engaged by each gear 766 so as to measure 
the amount of rotation of the gear 766 and thus detect each figure 760 to 
be impressed. The counting gear 788 is connected through an axle 790 to a 
means (not shown) for measuring the amount of rotation of the gear 788 and 
thus for detecting all of the figures to be impressed on the cowl 
assembly. The counting means generates the feed-back signal supplied to 
the controller 704; this signal containing information relating to the 
numbers or letters to be impressed. Due to the feed-back signal from the 
counting means, the controller 704 indicates a product number to be 
impressed on the lower display 708. 
Though in the present embodiment there are employed counting gears 788 and 
the counting means for detecting model faces positioned at the impressing 
portion, it will be apparent that detecting of the positioning of the 
model face may be embodied or modified otherwise. For example, the model 
face can be detected by counting motions of the plunger head. 
When, the group of letters and/or numbers of the rollers 758 aligned at the 
impressing portion is matched with the designated product number specified 
in the code 664 of the label 666, the controller generates an instruction 
signal for carrying out the numbering operation. Initially, the cylinder 
720 starts to move down the main body 710 toward a portion 742 of the body 
assembly 29 to be impressed with the product number. After the main body 
710 is opposite to the portion 742 of the cowl assembly 26 of the body 
assembly, the sub-cylinder 732 starts to move the yoke 726 upward, thereby 
rotating the yoke counterclockwise (as viewed in FIG. 14) about the axle 
730. Thereby, the end 727 of the yoke 726 contacts the portion 742 of the 
cowl assembly. Thereafter, the horizontal cylinder 752 starts to move the 
numbering element 750 along the slit or recess 744 of the yoke 726 in a 
substantially horizontal direction so as to impress the product number on 
the portion 742. 
As the product number is impressed, a tape 792 for receiving the engraved 
printing of impressed product number is supplied. The product number is 
engraved on tape 792 simultaneously with the number impressing operation. 
The tape 792 is wound around a spool 794 in a series. 
As shown in FIG. 5, the body assembly 29 is forwarded through the numbering 
section 700 to the special treatment line 500. As shown in FIG. 16, 
upstream of the special treatment line 500, there is provided a reader 502 
for reading the code 664 of the label 666. The reader 502 supplies 
information signals to a controller 504. The controller 504 is provided 
with a indicator lamp 506 and a notifying buzzer 508. The controller 504 
is further provided with a plurality of lamps 511,512 . . . to display the 
kind of treatment in the line 500 and a plurality of card stackers 521,522 
. . . storing instruction cards 530 and respectively corresponding to the 
lamps 511, 512 . . . 
When, a body assembly 29 passing through the line 500 requires special 
treatment in the line 500 and the code 664 of the label 666 indicates the 
nature of the special treatment, the lamp 506 lights or flashes and, at 
the same time, buzzer 508 sounds to inform the workers that the body 
assembly requires special treatment. Corresponding to kinds of treatment 
designated in the code, lamp or lamps 511, 512 . . . light to indicate 
what treatment is required. A worker then takes out one or more 
instruction cards 530 from the card stockers 521, 522 . . . corresponding 
to lit lamps 211, 212. . . The cards are stuck on the body assembly 29. In 
the line 500, designated special treatment can be easily performed in 
accordance with the instruction indicated in the cards. 
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 after going through the special treatment line 
500, the body assembly 29 is forwarded to the body assembly finishing line 
300. Upstream of the line 300, there is provided a reader 302 for reading 
the code of the label containing information of respective parts to be 
assembled to the body assembly 29 and instruction for assembling. The 
reader 302 generates an instruction signal to be fed into a controller 
304. 
A plurality of parts storage chambers 311, 312, 313 . . . are provided in 
parallel relationship with respect to one another. Various kinds of front 
fender members 30, front door members 32, rear door members 34, hood 
members 36 and trunk lid members 38 (FIG. 4) are stored within the storage 
chamber 311, 312, 313 . . . in assorted positions. At the outlets 321, 
322, 323 . . . of each group of the staorage chamber 311, 312, 313 . . . 
where each part type is stored, there is provided a hoisting device 331, 
332, 333 . . . for picking up each designated part. The hoisting devices 
331, 332, 333 are respectively controlled by control signals containing 
information of designated models and specifications of the parts to be 
assembled to the body assembly 29. 
An endless conveying means 340, such as a belt conveyor, is provided 
between the storage section 310 and the assembly line 300. The conveying 
means 340 has portions 342, 344 respectively positioned on both sides of 
the line 300 in parallel relationship to the line 300. The conveying means 
340 has a further portion 346 opposite to the storage section 310. 
In the present embodiment, the conveying means 340 is arranged in 
substantially channel-shaped configuration and is driven in a clockwise 
direction. 
Between respective hoisting device 331, 332, 333 . . . and the portion 346 
of the conveying means 340, there are provided lifting devices 351, 352, 
353 . . . for transporting parts respectively picked up by the hoisting 
device to the portion 346. The lifting device 351, 352, 353 . . . may be 
operated in synchronism with the conveying means 340 so as to arrange 
respective parts conveniently for the assembling operation. In other 
words, the lifting devices 351,352,353 . . . are respectively operated in 
a given timing, for example symmetrical parts such as left side front door 
member 32 and right side front door member 33 are transported to the 
conveying means 340 in a given timing so that they are positioned 
symmetrically with respect to the line 300 at the portion 342, 344 to be 
assembled to the body assembly, as shown in FIG. 17. Thus, both front door 
member can be assembled to the body assembly 29 simultaneously. 
After finishing assembling operation in the line 300 and thereby completing 
the vehicle body assembling operation in the system, the vehicle body 29 
is forwarded to a printing section and an interior finishing section. As 
shown in FIGS. 5 and 18, downstream of the line 300, there is provided a 
checking section 800 in which the assembled vehicle bodies are checked 
according to the designated models and/or specifications of the vehicle 
bodies. The checking may be made by comparing the assembled vehicle bodies 
with the designation contained in the code 664. At the same time, the 
information of the models and specifications contained in the code 664 is 
fed to the printing section and/or interior finishing section. 
In the checking section 800, there is provided a reader 802 for reading the 
code 664 of the label 666. The reader 802 generates an information signal 
corresponding to the code 664 to be fed to, for example, central and main 
control section controlling the printing section. Further, the information 
signal may be fed into the checking means (not shown) in the checking 
section to be compared with the information of the models and 
specifications of the assembled bodies detected by the checking means, for 
confirmation. After confirmation, the instruction signal generated by the 
reader 802 or checking means is fed into a label removing device 804 
having a magnetic head 806 to magnetically attract the label 666 and 
remove the same from the front body member which is assembled into the 
vehicle body. 
Thereafter, the vehicle body is gripped by arms 810 of a movable lifter 812 
which is suspended from a rail 814 and which is supported by frame 816. 
The frame 816 is movable up and down along stationary frames 818 by 
driving means (not shown). The lifter 812 grips the vehicle body with the 
arms 810 at lowered position, as shown in FIG. 18. Then, the movable frame 
816 is moved up so it rides from rail 814 to the rail 820 that extends the 
next section. The lifter 812 can thus travel along the rail to the next 
section so as to bring the vehicle body thereto. In the present control 
system, as the information and instruction with respect to models, 
standards and specifications are accompanied with respective vehicle 
bodies to the assembly lines and are read before entering into each 
assembly line, there may be expected the following advantages: 
(1) since the information and instruction are carried with the 
corresponding vehicle body, conformity is assured between the vehicle body 
forwarded to the line to be assembled and the information instructions 
therefor; 
(2) since there is no limitation relating to the sequence of forwarding the 
bodies into the assembly lines, the the order can be easily changed 
according to necessity; 
(3) if one of the assembly lines encounters trouble or damage or an 
accident, other lines are not be very seriously affected or stopped. 
(4) the work load of the workers is reduced because they need not compare 
the instructions or information with respect to models, standards and 
specifications of the vehicle body and the body to be assembled; as the 
information and instructions are read by a machine, there may be an 
increase in the reliability of the assembling operation; and 
(5) since this control system does not require a large computer and/or 
complicated computerized control system, it can reduce the cost for the 
facility of the control system. 
It should be understood that what is described and illustrated in detail 
above principally refers to a system for assembling vehicle bodies, 
particularly to a control system for the vehicle body assembly lines, and 
the principles of the present invention can be applied to other assembly 
lines in the automotive vehicle manufactories. In order to implement 
control systems in each automotive vehicle component assembly lines, it 
may merely require substantially similar means and elements of the 
controlling system as hereinbefore described and not require serious 
changes or revision of the assembly line per se. 
Further, although the present invention has been shown and described with 
respect to the preferred embodiment, it should not be considered as being 
limited to these or mere and simple generalizations or other detailed 
embodiments. Yet further alterations can be made to the form and the 
details of any particular embodiment without departing from the principles 
of the present invention. Therefore, it is desired that the scope of the 
present invention and the breadth of the protection sought to be granted 
by Letters Patent, should be defined solely by the accompanying claims.