GB2323585A

GB2323585A - Monitor positioning apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2323585A
Application number: GB9806441A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Joung-Un Jin
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 1997-03-26
Filing date: 1998-03-26
Publication date: 1998-09-30
Anticipated expiration: 2018-03-26
Also published as: KR100262543B1; GB2323585B; MY122073A; GB9806441D0; KR19980074549A

Abstract

An apparatus for automatically positioning a monitor for an assembly operation is described. The apparatus includes vertical movement means (10) for lifting a monitor (1) from a first position in which its base is not exposed to a second position in which the base is exposed. A suction pad (41) capable of attachment to the monitor screen connects the monitor (1) to the vertical movement means (10). Rotation means (30) are provided for rotating the monitor after it has been lifted so that the monitor base is exposed further. Preferably, the suction pad is moved horizontally by a piston and cylinder 20. Preferably the rotation means is a piston and cylinder as is the vertical movement means. Preferably the pad is carried on a support 14 moving along guides 110, with the whole positioned inside a box 100 preventing access to the rear. Preferably the extended position is adjustable by means of a screw 50 operating between a plate 52 carrying the height piston and cylinder and a fixed plate 51. A control system (60, Fig 5) using a microprocessor and sensors is also described. A manual switch 65 can be provided to reset the cycle once a stand (2, Fig 1) has been manually joined to the monitor.

Description

MONITOR POSITIONING APPARATUS BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a monitor assembly process and an apparatus and method for automatically positioning a monitor so that an assembly operation can be performed.

Monitors, e.g. display devices for personal computers, are generally manufactured in a multistage factory assembly line process. "Assembly line" denotes a mass-production arrangement in which the assembly operations are arranged in a sequence so that at each stage of the assembly line further work is carried out--until a product is assembled.

The assembly line is a mode of operation used by factories for mass production and for achieving division of labour.

The operations which are typically performed in each stage of an assembly line process include: a numerical control operation performed by a robot; an operation using an apparatus to which a cylinder, a motor or a solenoid is connected, i.e, a motorized operation; and a manual operation performed directly on a transported product. The assembly of a monitor and a stand is an example of a conventional stage in an assembly line which involves manual work.

The assembly of a monitor and a stand will now be described. The monitor is assembled as it is transported by a conveyor down the assembly line. Because the monitor is loaded on a palette located on the conveyor, it is necessary to turn the monitor body over before a stand can be mounted on the bottom of the monitor body. The turning over of the monitor and attachment of the stand are performed manually. It is often necessary to use two people to carry out these operations because of the size and weight of the monitor. Thus, attachment of the stand is a time-consuming, labour-intensive and difficult process. These problems reduce the production efficiency and increase the manufacturing costs of the assembly line process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the problems outlined above.

The present invention accordingly provides a positioning apparatus for automatically positioning a monitor for an assembly operation.

The positioning apparatus of the present invention comprises: vertical movement means for moving the monitor substantially vertically, the vertical movement means being adapted to lift the monitor from a first position in which a base of the monitor is not exposed to a predetermined second position in which the base is exposed; a suction pad connected to the vertical movement means, the suction pad being capable of attachment to a screen of the monitor while the monitor is in the first position so that the monitor can be lifted by the vertical movement means; rotation means connected to the suction pad for rotating the monitor by a predetermined angle, the rotation means being adapted to rotate the monitor after it has been lifted to the predetermined second position so that the base of the monitor is exposed further; and control means for controlling the operation of the vertical movement means, suction pad, and rotation means.

Such a positioning apparatus allows a monitor to be positioned for an assembly operation swiftly and efficiently. It also reduces the manual labour necessary to perform an assembly operation. Thus, the positioning apparatus of the present invention increases productivity and reduces operational costs.

The positioning apparatus may also comprise height control means coupled to the vertical movement means for setting the height of the predetermined second position. Such height control means would allow the height of the predetermined second position to be varied with the size of the monitor and/or the height of the assembly line operator.

Preferably, the vertical movement means, suction pad, rotation means, and control means are housed in a box-like frame for preventing damage to the positioning apparatus.

For structural simplicity, it is preferred that the vertical movement means comprise a piston including an elevating cylinder and an elevational piston rod positioned in the elevating cylinder and a support connected to one end of the elevational piston rod.

Preferably, the suction pad is carried by the support.

For stability, it is preferred that the support is mounted on a pair of parallel, spaced guide means and that the support is adapted to slide along the guide means.

For structural simplicity, it is preferred that the rotation means comprise a rotating cylinder and a rotational piston rod having one end positioned in the rotating cylinder, the rotational piston rod carrying the suction pad at the opposite end and being adapted to rotate with the rotating cylinder.

The rotational piston rod may rotate within a bush.

Preferably, the support carries the bush in which the rotational piston rod rotates.

It is also preferred that the suction pad is a vacuum pad and that an air path to the suction pad is provided through the rotational piston rod.

Preferably, a regulating valve is provided on the outer surface of the rotational piston rod for regulating the flow of air in the piston rod. In a preferred embodiment, a hose is connected to the regulating valve for connecting the regulating valve to a compressor, which provides the suction pad with suction force.

For structural simplicity, it is also preferred that the control means comprise a plurality of sensors for sensing the positions of the monitor, vertical movement means, suction pad, and rotation means and generating position signals in accordance with the result of the sensing operations; a microprocessor which receives the position signals and generates operation control signals in accordance with the position signals; and a driving unit which receives the operation control signals and drives the vertical movement means, suction pad, and rotation means in accordance with the signals.

Preferably, the control means includes a monitor sensor provided adjacent the base of the vertical movement means for sensing whether the monitor has reached a position in which it can be lifted by the vertical movement means; at least one vertical position sensor provided on the vertical movement means for determining the position of the vertical movement means; and at least one rotational position sensor provided on the rotation means for determining an angle by which the rotation means has rotated.

The control means may further include a switch which is activated when an assembly operation has been completed.

The switch may be activated by an operator.

It is preferred, for structural simplicity, that the height control means comprises a first plate attached to the bottom of the vertical movement means, for moving the vertical movement means substantially vertically; a second plate spaced apart from and positioned beneath and parallel to the first plate, the second plate being fixedly coupled to the bottom of the vertical movement means; and means for moving the first plate substantially vertically relative to the second plate to set the height of the predetermined second position.

In a preferred embodiment, the means for moving the first plate comprises a screw bar which passes through a first hole in the first plate so that it is directly connected to the first plate and which passes through a second hole, parallel to the first hole, in the second plate so that the screw bar is indirectly connected to the second plate and so that rotation of the screw bar causes the first plate to move vertically, but does not cause the second plate to move.

For ease of operation, a handle may be provided on the screw bar for rotating the screw bar.

An apparatus according to the present invention may also comprise horizontal movement means coupled to the suction pad for moving the suction pad into contact with the screen of the monitor.

Preferably, the horizontal movement means is coupled to the suction pad via the rotation means.

For structural simplicity, the horizontal movement means may comprise a piston including a horizontal cylinder and a horizontal piston rod positioned in the horizontal cylinder.

Preferably, the horizontal cylinder is carried by the vertical movement means and the horizontal piston rod is connected to the rotation means.

The horizontal piston rod may be connected to the rotation means by means of a bracket.

In a preferred embodiment, the control means also controls operation of the horizontal movement means. To this end, the control means may further comprise a horizontal position sensor for sensing the position of the horizontal movement means.

The present invention also extends to a method of positioning a monitor for an assembly operation using a positioning apparatus according to the invention, the method comprising the steps of attaching the suction pad to a screen of the monitor while it is in the first position in which the base of the monitor is not exposed; causing the vertical movement means to lift the attached monitor to the predetermined second position in which the base of the monitor is exposed; and causing the rotation means to rotate the attached monitor by the predetermined angle to expose the base of the monitor further.

Preferably, the step of attaching the suction pad comprises causing it to move horizontally into contact with the screen.

The present invention also extends to a method of attaching a stand to a monitor using a positioning apparatus according to the invention, the method comprising the steps of attaching the suction pad to the screen of the monitor while it is in the first position in which the base of the monitor is not exposed; causing the vertical movement means to lift the attached monitor to the predetermined second position in which the base of the monitor is exposed; causing the rotation means to rotate the attached monitor by the predetermined angle in a first direction to expose the base of the monitor further; attaching the stand to the base of the monitor; causing the rotation means to rotate the attached monitor by the predetermined angle in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction; causing the vertical movement means to lower the attached monitor to the first position; and detaching the suction pad from the screen of the monitor.

Preferably, the monitor is caused to move to another stage in an assembly line after the suction pad is detached.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a monitor and a stand; FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the structure of a positioning apparatus according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating the structure of a positioning apparatus according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the main parts of a positioning apparatus according to the present invention; FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a control structure according to the present invention; and FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an operational procedure for a positioning apparatus according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a monitor and a stand before assembly. FIGs. 2 and 3 are side and front views, respectively, of the structure of a positioning apparatus according to the present invention. In the figures, a chassis which is located at the surface of a frame 100 is not illustrated.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the main parts of a positioning apparatus according to the present invention.

As illustrated, a conveyor system 200 includes a conveyor frame 210. The conveyor frame 210 is separate from the conveyor system 200 and is positioned parallel to it. A monitor body 1 is located and moved on a palette 220 which is positioned on the conveyor 200.

The positioning apparatus according to the present invention includes a suction unit 40 capable of attachment to the monitor body 1. It also includes a rotating unit 30 for rotating the monitor body 1 when it is attached to the suction unit 40. A horizontally moving unit 20 is provided for moving the rotating unit 30 and thereby moving the suction unit 40, which is located at the end of the rotating unit 30, toward the monitor body 1. A vertically moving unit 10 which includes a support 14 also forms part of the positioning apparatus. The support 14, which is adapted to move up and down, carries the rotating unit 30 and the horizontally moving unit 20. A frame 100 is also provided which shields all of the aforesaid units. The positioning apparatus further comprises a control unit 60 for controlling the operations of the suction unit 40, the rotating unit 30, the horizontally moving unit 20 and the vertically moving unit 10.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the frame 100 is shaped like a box. The side of the box where the conveyor system 200 is located is open. A pair of guides 110 are provided on the inside of the frame 100. They are provided at the upper and lower regions of the frame 100. The support 14 is mounted on the guides 110 and is adapted to slide along them.

The vertically moving unit 10 includes an elevating cylinder 11. The elevating cylinder 11 is fixed to a lower part of the frame 100. The elevating cylinder 11 includes a piston rod 12. The end of the piston rod 12 is connected to the support 14, for moving the support 14 up and down.

The rotating unit 30 comprises a rotating cylinder 31 which drives a piston rod 32. The piston rod 32 is adapted to rotate within a bush 34 which is positioned in the support 14.

The piston rod 32 carries a suction pad 41 at one end. The suction pad 41 is preferably a vacuum pad and an air path is provided to the suction pad 41 through the piston rod 32. A valve 43 is provided on the outer surface of the piston rod 32 for regulating the inflow and outflow of air through the piston rod 32 to the suction pad 41.

The suction pad 41 may be made generally of rubber.

Suction force is provided by the suction pad 41 through an air vent 42 formed at its centre. The air vent 42 communicates with the valve 43 via the inside of the piston rod 32. A compressor (not illustrated) provides the suction pad 41 with suction force. The compressor is connected to the valve 43 by a hose 43a.

The horizontally moving unit 20 includes a forward/backward cylinder 21. One end of the forward/backward cylinder 21 is fixed to the support 14. The forward/backward cylinder 21 includes a piston rod 22. One end of the piston rod 22 is connected to the rotating cylinder 31, for moving the rotating cylinder 31 horizontally. Specifically, one end of the piston rod 22 is connected to one end of a bracket 35. The other end of the bracket 35 is connected to the rotating cylinder 31. In this way, the rotating cylinder 31 may be moved horizontally.

An operational height control unit 50 is provided between the frame 100 and the vertically moving unit 10. The operational height control unit 50 is provided for setting the operational height before starting an assembly operation. The operational height control unit 50 includes an operational plate 52 which is fixed to the lower end of the elevating cylinder 11. It also includes a fixed plate 51 which is fixed to the frame 100 and faces the operational plate 52. A screw bar 53 moves the operational plate 52 vertically relative to the fixed plate 51. At one end of the screw bar 53, a handle 55 is located. The screw bar 53 is coupled to the fixed plate 51 so that it may be rotated without contacting the plate 51. In contrast, the screw bar 53 is fastened to the operation plate 52 tightly.

A connecting bar 54 is inserted in one end of the elevating cylinder 11. The connecting bar 54 is fixed to the fixed plate 51 and acts as a guide when the elevating cylinder 11 moves up and down due to the rotation of the screw bar 53.

The elevating cylinder 11, the rotating cylinder 31 and the forward/backward cylinder 21 are used for elevating, rotating and forward/backward operations, respectively. In addition to the above-described cylinders, a solenoid operating by electromagnetic force or a motor device comprising a cam or a link connected to a motor may be used.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the control unit 60 of the present invention includes an input unit 61. The input unit 61 generates and transmits signals indicating the operational state of driving units. The driving units include a conveyor driving unit 63 for driving the conveyor system 200 and a cylinder driving unit 64 which drives the forward/backward cylinder 21, the rotating cylinder 31 and the elevating cylinder 11. The input unit 61 also generates and transmits a signal indicating the end of an assembly operation.

The control unit 60 also includes a microprocessor 62 which receives signals from the input unit 61 and transmits operation signals to each driving unit in accordance with the received signals. The conveyor driving unit 63 drives the conveyor system 200 in response to an operation signal received from the microprocessor 62. Similarly, the cylinder driving unit 64 drives the forward/backward cylinder 21, the rotating cylinder 31 and the elevating cylinder 11 in accordance with operation signals received from the microprocessor 62.

The input unit 61 includes a sensor 230 which is positioned on the conveyor frame 210. The sensor 230 senses whether the palette 220 has arrived and whether the monitor body 1 has arrived at an operational position. A pair of sensors 13 which are mounted on the surface of the elevating cylinder 11 also form part of the input unit 61. The sensors 13 generate signals when the piston rod 12 mounted on the surface of the elevating cylinder 11 moves. These signals are transmitted to the microprocessor 62. The input unit 61 further comprises a pair of sensors 33 which are mounted on the surface of the rotating cylinder 31.

The sensors 33 generate signals when the piston rod 32 is rotated and transmit the signals to the microprocessor 62.

A pair of sensors 23 are mounted on the surface of the forward/backward cylinder 21. The sensors 23 generate signals when the piston rod 22 moves and transmit the signals to the microprocessor 62. A switch 65 also forms part of the input unit 61. The switch 65 generates a signal indicating the mounting of a stand on the monitor has been completed.

The operation of a positioning apparatus according to the present invention will now be described. FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of an operational procedure according to the present invention. First, an operator sets the operational height by adjusting the operational height control unit 50. The operational height will usually be adjusted according to the height of the conveyor system 200 or the size of the monitor body 1. The operational height is adjusted by turning the handle 55 to cause rotation of the screw bar 53. When the operator turns the handle 55 clockwise or counterclockwise, the screw bar 53 is rotated with respect to the fixed plate 51 without contacting it. In contrast, because the operational plate 52 and the screw bar 53 are tightly fastened together, the operational plate 52 moves up or down when the screw bar 53 is rotated. The direction of movement of the operational plate 52 depends on the rotational direction of the handle 55. Because the operational plate 52 is fixed to the elevating cylinder 11, the elevating cylinder 11 and other parts connected to the elevating cylinder 11 move up or down simultaneously with the operational plate 52. The screw bar 53, however, is fixedly connected to the fixed plate 51 and so cannot move up or down with the operational plate 52.

After completing the initial setting operation described above, operation of the conveyor system 200 is begun. The operations performed on the conveyor system 200 will now be described.

When the monitor body 1, which is located on the palette 220 on the conveyor frame 210, moves in step S10, the sensor 230 determines whether the monitor body 1 has arrived at the stand-mounting operational position in step S20. If the monitor body 1 has arrived at the operational position at step S20, the palette 220 on which the monitor 1 is loaded is moved to the next step. On the other hand, if the monitor has not reached the operational position, operation of the conveyor system 200 continues so that the palette 200 on which the monitor 1 is loaded continues to move.

When the monitor 1 arrives at the operational position, the sensor 230 transmits a signal to the microprocessor 62.

The microprocessor reads the input signal and transmits an operation control signal to the conveyor driving unit 63 and the cylinder driving unit 64 in response. The signal transmitted to the conveyor driving unit 63 stops the operation of the conveyor system 200, and the signal transmitted to the cylinder driving unit 64 activates the forward/backward cylinder 21.

Activation of the forward/backward cylinder 21 in step S30 causes the piston rod 22 to move forward or backward. This in turn causes the suction pad 41 to move forward or backward. Next, in step S40, it is determined whether movement of the piston rod 22 has caused the suction pad 41 to contact and adhere to the monitor body 1. This is determined through the sensor 23 which is mounted on the surface of the forward/backward cylinder 21.

If it is determined in step S40 that the suction pad 41 is tightly connected to the monitor body 1, the next step, step S50, is performed. If, however, the suction pad 41 is not tightly connected to the monitor body 1, the forward/backward cylinder 21 is moved until connection is achieved.

The signal generated by the sensor 23 when it is determined that the suction pad 41 is connected to the monitor body is transmitted to the microprocessor 62. The microprocessor 62 transmits an operation control signal to the valve 43 and the cylinder driving unit 64, in response to the signal received from the sensor 23.

The valve 43 is opened when the operation control signal from the microprocessor 62 is received. As a consequence, when the compressor (not illustrated) draws air through the air vent 42, the monitor body 1 is drawn to the suction pad 41. In this way, the monitor body 1 is chucked to the positioning apparatus of the present invention in step S50.

The cylinder driving unit 64 stops the forward/backward cylinder 21 when it receives the operation control signal.

It then operates the elevating cylinder 11 and thereby raises the support 14 in step S60. Then, in step S70 it is determined whether the monitor body 1 has been lifted to the predetermined desired height. This is determined by the sensor 13 mounted on the cylinder 11.

As the monitor body 1 is lifted, the support 14 is guided by the guides 110. Thus, the monitor body 1 is lifted stably.

If the monitor body 1 has been lifted to the desired height in step S70, the next step S80 is performed. If, however, the monitor body 1 has not been lifted to the desired height, the elevating cylinder 11 is operated until the monitor body has been lifted to the desired height.

When the monitor body 1 has been lifted to the desired height, the sensor 13 generates a signal and transmits it to the microprocessor 62. The microprocessor 62 reads the signal and transmits an operation control signal to the cylinder driving unit 64 in response.

The cylinder driving unit 64 stops the elevating cylinder 11 when it receives the operation control signal in step S80. It also rotates the monitor body 1 by operating the rotating cylinder 31 in step S80. After that, in step S90, it is determined whether the monitor body 1 has been rotated by a predetermined angle. This is determined by the sensor 33 which is mounted on the rotating cylinder 31.

If the monitor body 1 has been rotated by the desired angle in step S90, the next step S100 is performed. If, however, the monitor body has not been rotated by the desired angle, the rotating cylinder 31 is operated until the desired rotation is achieved.

The signal generated by the sensor 33, when it senses that the monitor body 1 has been rotated by the desired angle, is transmitted to the microprocessor 62. The microprocessor 62 reads the signal and transmits an operational control signal to the cylinder driving unit 64 in response. The operational control signal causes operation of the rotating cylinder 31 to stop.

After the monitor body 1 has been rotated by a predetermined angle and the rotating cylinder 31 has stopped, an operator fixes a stand to the bottom of the monitor body 1 using a bolt or some other connecting unit in step S100. Next, in step S110, it is determined whether the assembly operation has been completed. When the assembly operation is completed, the switch 65 is turned on and an operation end signal is transmitted to the microprocessor 62.

The microprocessor 62 receives the operation end signal and transmits an operation control signal to the cylinder driving unit 64 in response. The cylinder driving unit 64 rotates the monitor body 1 to which the stand 2 is connected when it receives the operation control signal.

Rotation is achieved by operating the rotating cylinder 31 in step S120. Then, in step S130, it is determined whether the monitor body 1 which is chucked to the suction pad 41 has been rotated by the predetermined initial angle. This is determined by the sensor 33.

If the monitor body 1 has been rotated by the desired initial angle in step S130, the next step S140 is performed. On the other hand, if the monitor body 1 has not been rotated by the desired initial angle, the rotating cylinder 31 is operated until the desired rotation is achieved - When the monitor body 1 has been rotated by the desired initial angle in step S130, the signal generated by the sensor 33 is transmitted to the microprocessor 62. The microprocessor 62 reads the signal and in response transmits an operation signal to the cylinder driving unit 64. The operational signal causes the rotating cylinder 31 to stop rotating.

Next, in step S140, the elevating cylinder 11 is operated so that the support 14 moves down to a desired position.

The sensor 13, which is mounted on the elevating cylinder 11, determines whether the monitor body 1 has been lowered to the desired position in step S150.

The desired position is the position in which the stand 2 connected to the monitor body 1 is placed on the upper surface of the palette 220. As stated above, the palette 220 is used as a transporting element on the conveyor system 200.

When the monitor body 1 has been lowered to the desired position at step S150, the next step S160 is performed.

If, however, the monitor body 1 has not been lowered to the desired position, the elevating cylinder 11 is operated until the desired position is reached.

The signal generated by the sensor 13 when the monitor body has been lowered to the desired position is transmitted to the microprocessor 62. The microprocessor 62 reads the signal and then transmits operation signals to the cylinder driving unit 64 and the valve 43; the valve 43 is open for providing suction force to the suction pad and chucking the monitor body 1.

The cylinder driving unit 64 stops the elevating cylinder 11 in response to the operation signal. The valve 43 is closed in response to the operation signal. Closing of valve 43 cuts off the suction force to suction pad 41.

Thus, the monitor body 1 which is chucked to the suction pad 41 by means of the suction force is separated from the suction pad 41 in step S160. Next, in step S170, the suction pad 41 is moved back by operating the forward/backward cylinder 21. Then, it is determined whether the suction pad 41, which is no longer attached to the monitor body 1, has been returned to a desired position. This is determined by the sensor 23 which is mounted on the forward/backward cylinder 21 in step S180.

When the suction pad 41 has been returned to the desired position at step S180, the next step S190 is performed.

If, however, the suction pad 41 has not been returned to the desired position, the forward/backward cylinder 21 is operated until the desired position is reached.

When the suction pad 41 has been returned to the desired position, the signal generated by the sensor 23 is transmitted to the microprocessor 62. The microprocessor 62 reads the signal and transmits an operation control signal to the cylinder driving unit 64.

The cylinder driving unit 64 receives the operation control signal and stops the forward/backward cylinder 21 in step S190. The cylinder driving unit 64 also lowers the support 14 by operating the elevating cylinder 11 in step S190.

Then, in step S200 the sensor 13 determines whether the suction pad 41 has been returned to its initial position.

The signal generated by the sensor 13 when the suction pad 41 has been returned to its initial position is transmitted to the microprocessor 62. The microprocessor 62 reads the signal and transmits an operation signal to the cylinder driving unit 64. The cylinder driving unit 64 stops the elevating cylinder 11 in response to the operation signal.

Then, the microprocessor 62 causes the conveyor system 200 to operate by transmitting an operation control signal to the conveyor driving unit 63. The monitor

Claims

1. A positioning apparatus for automatically positioning a monitor for an assembly operation comprising: vertical movement means for moving the monitor substantially vertically, the vertical movement means being adapted to lift the monitor from a first position in which a base of the monitor is not exposed to a predetermined second position in which the base is exposed; a suction pad connected to the vertical movement means, the suction pad being capable of attachment to a screen of the monitor while the monitor is in the first position so that the monitor can be lifted by the vertical movement means; rotation means connected to the suction pad for rotating the monitor by a predetermined angle, the rotation means being adapted to rotate the monitor after it has been lifted to the predetermined second position so that the base of the monitor is exposed further; and control means for controlling the operation of the vertical movement means, suction pad, and rotation means.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising height control means coupled to the vertical movement means for setting the height of the predetermined second position.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the vertical movement means, suction pad, rotation means, and control means are housed in a box-like frame for preventing damage to the apparatus.

4. An apparatus according to any of claims 1-3 in which the vertical movement means comprises a piston including an elevating cylinder and an elevational piston rod positioned in the elevating cylinder; and a support connected to one end of the elevational piston rod.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 in which the suction pad is carried by the support.

6. An apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5 in which the support is mounted on a pair of parallel, spaced guide means.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6 in which the support is adapted to slide along the guide means.

8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7 in which the rotation means comprises a rotating cylinder and a rotational piston rod having one end positioned in the rotating cylinder, the rotational piston rod carrying the suction pad at the opposite end and being adapted to rotate with the rotating cylinder.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8 in which the rotational piston rod rotates within a bush.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9 in which the vertical movement means comprises a piston including an elevating cylinder and an elevational piston rod positioned in the elevating cylinder, and a support connected to one end of the elevational piston rod, the support carrying the bush in which the rotational piston rod rotates.

11. An apparatus according to claim 8, claim 9 or claim 10 in which the suction pad is a vacuum pad and an air path to the suction pad is provided through the rotational piston rod.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11 in which a regulating valve is provided on the outer surface of the rotational piston rod for regulating the flow of air in the piston rod.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12 in which a hose is connected to the regulating valve for connecting the regulating valve to a compressor, which provides the suction pad with suction force.

14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the control means comprise: a plurality of sensors for sensing the positions of the monitor, vertical movement means, suction pad, and rotation means and generating position signals in accordance with the result of the sensing operations; a microprocessor which receives the position signals and generates operation control signals in accordance with the position signals; a driving unit which receives the operation control signals and drives the vertical movement means, suction pad, and rotation means in accordance with the signals.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14 in which the control means includes a monitor sensor provided adjacent the base of the vertical movement means for sensing whether the monitor has reached a position in which it can be lifted by the vertical movement means; at least one vertical position sensor provided on the vertical movement means for determining the position of the vertical movement means; and at least one rotational position sensor provided on the rotation means for determining an angle by which the rotation means has rotated.

16. An apparatus according to claim 14 or claim 15 in which the control means further includes a switch which is activated when an assembly operation has been completed.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16 in which the switch is activated by an operator.

18. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2-17 in which the height control means comprises a first plate attached to the bottom of the vertical movement means, for moving the vertical movement means substantially vertically; a second plate spaced apart from and positioned beneath and parallel to the first plate, the second plate being fixedly coupled to the bottom of the vertical movement means; and means for moving the first plate substantially vertically relative to the second plate to set the height of the predetermined second position.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18 in which the means for moving the first plate comprises a screw bar which passes through a first hole in the first plate so that it is directly connected to the first plate and which passes through a second hole, parallel to the first hole, in the second plate so that the screw bar is indirectly connected to the second plate and so that rotation of the screw bar causes the first plate to move vertically, but does not cause the second plate to move.

20. An apparatus according to claim 19 in which a handle is provided on the screw bar for rotating the screw bar.

21. An apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising horizontal movement means coupled to the suction pad for moving the suction pad into contact with the screen of the monitor.

22. An apparatus according to claim 21 in which the horizontal movement means is coupled to the suction pad via the rotation means.

23. An apparatus according to claim 21 or claim 22 in which the horizontal movement means comprises a piston including a horizontal cylinder and a horizontal piston rod positioned in the horizontal cylinder.

24. An apparatus according to claim 23 in which the horizontal cylinder is carried by the vertical movement means and the horizontal piston rod is connected to the rotation means.

25. An apparatus according to claim 24 in which the horizontal piston rod is connected to the rotation means by means of a bracket.

26. An apparatus according to any one of claims 21-25 in which the control means also controls operation of the horizontal movement means.

27. An apparatus according to claim 26 in which the control means further comprises a horizontal position sensor for sensing the position of the horizontal movement means.

28. A positioning apparatus for automatically positioning a monitor for an assembly operation substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 of the accompanying drawings.

29. A method of positioning a monitor for an assembly operation using an apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising: attaching the suction pad to a screen of the monitor while it is in the first position in which the base of the monitor is not exposed; causing the vertical movement means to lift the attached monitor to the predetermined second position in which the base of the monitor is exposed; and causing the rotation means to rotate the attached monitor by the predetermined angle to expose the base of the monitor further.

30. A method according to claim 29 in which attaching the suction pad comprises causing it to move horizontally into contact with the screen.

31. A method of attaching a stand to a monitor using an apparatus according to any of claims 1-28 comprising: attaching the suction pad to the screen of the monitor while it is in the first position in which the base of the monitor is not exposed; causing the vertical movement means to lift the attached monitor to the predetermined second position in which the base of the monitor is exposed; causing the rotation means to rotate the attached monitor by the predetermined angle in a first direction to expose the base of the monitor further; attaching the stand to the base of the monitor; causing the rotation means to rotate the attached monitor by the predetermined angle in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction; causing the vertical movement means to lower the attached monitor to the first position; and detaching the suction pad from the screen of the monitor.

32. A method according to claim 31 in which the monitor is caused to move to another stage in an assembly line after the suction pad is detached.

33. A method substantially as described herein with reference to FIGs. 1-6 of the accompanying drawings.