JPH0524563A - Assembly of automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an assembly method of an automobile capable of easily connecting an upper body shell and a lower body shell, securing reliability of a connected part and improving workability of equipment. CONSTITUTION:In an assembly method to combine an upper body shell BU, with a lower body shell BL consisting of an under body part BD and a front body part BF made separately from the under body BD or integrally with it after respectively assembling them separately, a reception part or an engagement groove 33 to receive the edge part of a front floor 1 is formed on a side sill 20 of the upper body shell BU, and equipment is carried out by respectively supplying both of the body shells BU, BU to dedicated equipment lines. Thereafter, the under body part BD separated from or integrated with the front body BF is moved relatively in the backward direction of the longitudinal direction of a car body against the upper body shell BU, both of right and left sides of the front floor 1 are engaged on with reception parts, and it is connected to the upper body shell BU through these reception parts.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of assembling an automobile, and more particularly to assembling an upper body shell and a lower body shell separately from each other and then relatively placing an underbody portion of the lower body shell relative to the upper body shell. The present invention relates to an assembling method of moving and coupling from the front.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in the conventional method of assembling an automobile,
An automobile is manufactured through a pressing process for processing a steel plate material, a vehicle body assembling process for assembling a body shell, a painting process for painting, and a vehicle assembling process for outfitting. In the conventional vehicle body assembly technology of an automobile, by subassembling the underbody portion including the floor member, the front body portion, the rear body portion, the body side panel, the roof member, and the like in advance, and assembling these vehicle body constituent portions in order, A method of assembling the body shell was adopted, but when the outfitting is performed after the completion of the assembly of the body shell in this way, various restrictions are involved in promoting automation of the outfitting work, and thus, recently, Various vehicle body assembly methods and manufacturing methods that are advantageous for automating the vehicle assembly process are being proposed.

For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 63-235174 discloses a front body portion forming an engine room, an underbody portion including a front floor, a center floor and a rear floor, and a body side panel in a vehicle body assembly process. Assemble the upper body shell including the roof member, and then attach the necessary outfittings to them to provide the outfit, and then join the underbody part and the front body part to form the lower body shell. On the other hand, there is disclosed a vehicle assembly technique for assembling the body shell by relatively assembling the upper body shell from above. In addition, the actual exploitation 64-28377
In the vehicle body assembling process, the publication discloses that a lower body shell including a front body portion and an underbody portion, and an upper body shell including a body side panel, a roof member, and a cowl member are assembled, and these body shells are required. A technique for assembling an automobile in which both body shells are joined by fitting the upper body shell relative to the lower body shell from above from the upper body shell after fitting is disclosed. The upper body shell is provided with a side sill upper, the lower body shell is provided with a side sill lower, and the joining portion and the side sill are formed by joining the horizontal flanges of the side sill upper and the side sill lower when joining the both body shells. .

[0004]

In the assembly technique of the former publication, flange portions extending downward are formed at both left and right end portions of the floor member, and the flange portions are bolted to the joining flanges at the lower end portions of the side sills. However, since it is difficult to match the many bolt holes on the floor member side with the many bolt holes on the side sill side, it is not easy to combine them, and there is an error in the width dimension of the floor member and upper body shell. If the size is increased, it becomes difficult for the flange portion and the joining flange to come into close contact with each other, so that the joining work becomes difficult, and it becomes difficult to secure the reliability of the joining portion. In the assembly technique of the latter publication, it is necessary to join the horizontal flange of the side sill upper and the horizontal flange of the side sill lower when joining the upper body shell and the lower body shell, but assembling the upper body shell and the lower body shell If the accuracy is not maintained sufficiently high, it will be difficult for the horizontal flanges to match each other and it will be difficult to join them, and it will be difficult to ensure the reliability of the joints. However, when welding the joints, there is a problem that the coating film is damaged by welding, and it is difficult for the automatic device to smoothly join the joints due to an assembly error. An object of the present invention is to provide a method of assembling an automobile in which the upper body shell and the lower body shell can be easily coupled, the reliability of the coupling portion can be ensured, and the workability of outfitting can be improved.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an automobile, wherein an upper body shell including a roof member, left and right body side panels, and left and right side sills is included in a body shell of the automobile. In a method of assembling an automobile in which an underbody portion including a floor and a lower body shell composed of the underbody portion and a separate body or an integral front body portion are separately assembled and then both body shells are joined, The side sill is formed with receiving portions for receiving the left and right ends of the front floor from below, respectively, and the upper body shell and the lower body shell are respectively supplied to an outfitting line dedicated to the vehicle assembly process to be outfitted. Relative to the upper body shell, the underbody part that is separate from or integrated with the front body part By moving the front and rear direction of the vehicle body rearward so that the left and right ends of the front floor are engaged with the receiving parts of the left and right side sills respectively, and are coupled to the left and right side sills through the receiving parts of the left and right side sills, respectively. It is characterized by.

A method for assembling an automobile according to a second aspect is the method according to the first aspect, wherein the lower body shell consisting of an underbody portion and a front body portion integral therewith is fitted and then the lower body shell. Is coupled to the upper body shell.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an automobile according to the first aspect, wherein the underbody portion and the front body portion separate from the underbody portion are respectively fitted and then the two body portions are joined together. Next, both body parts are joined to the upper body shell.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an automobile according to the first aspect, wherein the underbody portion and the front body portion separate from the underbody portion are respectively fitted and then the underbody portion is attached to the upper body shell. And then the front body part is connected to the upper body shell and the underbody part.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an automobile according to the first aspect, wherein one of the upper body shell, the underbody portion, and the front body portion having the largest outfitting work load is used as a main outfitting line. It is characterized by supplying.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an automobile according to the first aspect, wherein the left and right end portions of the front floor are bonded to at least the left and right receiving portions, respectively.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembling method for an automobile, wherein an upper body shell including a roof member and left and right body side panels, an underbody portion including at least a front floor, and a separate body from the body shell of the automobile, or In a method of assembling an automobile, in which a lower body shell including an integral front body portion is separately assembled and then the upper body shell and the lower body shell are combined, an underbody portion is formed on the left and right lower end portions of the upper body shell. Forming receiving parts for receiving both left and right ends,
The upper body shell and the lower body shell are respectively supplied to an outfitting line dedicated to the vehicle assembling process to be outfitted, and the underbody portion which is separate from or integrated with the front body portion is relative to the upper body shell. The vehicle body is moved rearward and rearward so that the left and right end portions of the underbody portion are engaged with and supported by the receiving portions of the left and right end portions of the upper body shell, respectively, and the left and right end portions of the underbody portion are placed on the left and right sides of the upper body shell. It is characterized in that they are respectively coupled to the lower ends of the.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an automobile according to the fourth aspect, wherein the front body portion is arranged rearward relative to the upper body shell and the underbody portion in the vehicle front-rear direction. It is characterized by moving and combining.

A method of assembling an automobile according to a ninth aspect is the method of assembling an automobile according to the fourth aspect, wherein the front body portion is moved in the vehicle body vertical direction relative to the upper body shell and the underbody portion. It is characterized in that they are combined with each other.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an automobile according to the ninth aspect, wherein the front body portion is arranged downward in the vehicle body vertical direction relative to the upper body shell and the underbody portion. It is characterized by moving and combining.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling an automobile, wherein the upper body shell and the lower body shell are separately assembled, and then the two body shells are joined together. Since the upper body shell and the lower body shell are individually supplied to the outfitting line dedicated to the vehicle assembling process to be outfitted, workability and work efficiency of outfitting work for both body shells can be enhanced. Next, the underbody part, which is separate from or integrated with the front body part, is moved rearward relative to the upper body shell in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body so that the left and right ends of the front floor are preformed on the left and right side sills. The left and right ends of the front floor are respectively coupled to the left and right side sills via the receiving portions. Therefore, the underbody part can be easily combined by moving it backward with respect to the upper body shell, and the left and right ends of the front floor are engaged with the receiving parts of the left and right side sills, respectively. The reliability of the joint of the side sill can be ensured, and it can be fixed by adhesion without impairing the reliability of the joint, facilitating the absorption of the assembly error of the front floor and the upper body shell, and the relatively simple device. It also facilitates automation of joining work.

In the method of assembling the vehicle according to the second aspect, basically the same operation as that of the first aspect can be obtained. Furthermore,
Since the lower body shell consisting of the underbody part and the front body part which is integral with this is outfitted, the lower body shell is joined to the upper body shell, so the workability of outfitting to both body shells can be improved,
The completeness of the outfitting for the lower body shell can be improved, the lower body shell can be efficiently transported in a dedicated outfitting line, and the transporting device does not become complicated.

In the method of assembling the automobile according to the third aspect, basically the same operation as that of the first aspect can be obtained. Furthermore,
Since the underbody part and the front body part separate from this are fitted respectively, these two body parts are joined, and then these both body parts are joined to the upper body shell. The workability of outfitting can be improved, and the work load of coupling the upper body shell and the lower body shell can be reduced.

In the method of assembling the automobile according to the fourth aspect, basically the same operation as that of the first aspect can be obtained. Furthermore,
Since the underbody part and the front body part which is separate from this are outfitted respectively, the underbody part is joined to the upper body shell, and then the front body part is joined to the upper body shell and the underbody part. The workability of the outfitting work for the underbody portion and the front body portion can be improved, and the underbody portion can be easily joined to the upper body shell.

In the method of assembling the automobile according to the fifth aspect, basically the same action as that of the first aspect can be obtained. Furthermore,
Since the one with the largest outfitting work load among the upper body shell, the underbody part, and the front body part is supplied to the main outfitting line, it is possible to improve the equipment economy in automating the main outfitting line.

In the method of assembling the automobile according to the sixth aspect, basically the same operation as that of the first aspect can be obtained. Furthermore,
Since the left and right end portions of the front floor are respectively bonded to at least the left and right receiving portions, the underbody portion and the upper body shell can be easily joined, and the joining workability can be improved,
In addition, the structure can be simplified by omitting a large number of bolt holes for coupling, and the sealing property of the coupling portion can be secured.

In the method of assembling the automobile according to the seventh aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained. However, since the receiving portions are formed at the left and right lower end portions of the upper body shell, and the left and right end portions of the underbody portion are engaged with and supported by these receiving portions, for example, In some cases, a part of the side sill is formed at the lower end portion to form the receiving portion therein, and a part of the side sill is formed at both left and right end portions of the underbody portion to be engaged with and supported by the receiving portion. .

In the method of assembling the automobile according to the eighth aspect, basically the same operation as that of the fourth aspect can be obtained. Furthermore,
Since the front body part is moved relative to the upper body shell and the underbody part in the rearward and rearward direction of the vehicle body, the front body part and the upper body shell are joined together, and the front body part and the underbody part are joined together. The structure for connecting the front body part can be simplified, and the front body part can be easily connected.

In the method of assembling the automobile according to the ninth aspect, basically the same operation as that of the fourth aspect can be obtained. Furthermore,
Since the front body part is moved relative to the upper body shell and the underbody part in the vertical direction of the vehicle body to be coupled, the front body part is not allowed to move forward and backward relative to the upper body shell. Adopting such a joint structure, the joint strength and rigidity of the entire body shell can be improved.

In the method of assembling the automobile according to the tenth aspect, basically the same operation as the ninth aspect can be obtained. Further, since the front body portion is coupled by moving it downward in the vehicle body vertical direction relative to the upper body shell and the underbody portion, the coupling portion between the cowl dash structure of the front body portion and the upper body shell. Can be prevented from becoming complicated.

[0024]

As described in the above section, the following effects can be obtained. According to the vehicle assembly method of the first aspect, workability and work efficiency of outfitting work for the upper body shell and the lower body shell can be improved. Furthermore, the underbody part can be easily combined by moving it backward with respect to the upper body shell, and the left and right ends of the front floor are engaged with the receiving parts of the left and right side sills, respectively, so that The reliability of the side sill joint can be ensured, it can also be fixed by bonding without impairing the reliability of the joint, it is easy to absorb the assembly error of the front floor and upper body shell, relatively easy With such a device, the effect of facilitating the automation of the joining work can be obtained.

According to the automobile assembling method of the second aspect, basically the same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained. Furthermore,
The workability of outfitting to the underbody shell and the lower body shell can be improved, the completeness of outfitting to the lower body shell can be improved, and the lower body shell can be efficiently transported in a dedicated outfitting line. That is, the transport device is not complicated.

According to the automobile assembling method of the third aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect can be basically obtained. Furthermore,
It is possible to improve the workability of the outfitting work for the upper body part and the front body part, and to improve the productivity of joining the upper body shell and the lower body shell.

According to the vehicle assembly method of the fourth aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect can be basically obtained. Furthermore,
The workability of outfitting the upper body portion and the front body portion can be improved, and the underbody portion can be easily connected to the upper body shell.

According to the vehicle assembly method of the fifth aspect, basically the same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained. Furthermore,
By supplying to the main outfitting line the one with the highest outfitting work load among the upper body shell, underbody part, and front body part, it is possible to increase the equipment economy in automating the main outfitting line. .

According to the method of assembling an automobile according to claim 6, basically the same effect as that of claim 1 can be obtained. Furthermore,
Since both left and right end parts of the front floor are bonded to at least the left and right receiving parts respectively, the underbody part and the upper body shell can be easily joined, the joining workability can be improved, and a large number of bolt holes for joining are omitted. As a result, the structure can be simplified, and the sealing property of the coupling portion can be ensured.

According to the automobile assembling method of the seventh aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained.

According to the automobile assembling method of the eighth aspect, basically, the same effect as that of the fourth aspect can be obtained, and further, the connecting structure of the front body portion and the upper body shell,
The connecting structure of the front body part and the underbody part is simplified, and the front body part can be easily connected. According to the method of assembling a vehicle according to claim 9, basically, the method according to claim 4
In addition to obtaining the same effect as above, the joint strength and rigidity of the entire body shell can be improved by adopting a joint structure that does not allow the front body portion to move back and forth relative to the upper body shell. According to the assembling method of the automobile of the tenth aspect, basically the same effect as that of the ninth aspect is obtained, and the structure of the joint portion between the cowl dash structure of the front body portion and the upper body shell is complicated. Can be prevented.

[0032]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a method of assembling a four-door sedan vehicle, and the description will be given by defining front, rear, left and right with reference to the front, rear, left and right of the vehicle body.

As shown in FIG. 1, the assembly process of an automobile is as follows.
Basically, it comprises a press molding process, a vehicle body assembly process, a painting process and a vehicle assembly process. In the vehicle body assembly process, the upper body shell BU and the under body portion BD shown in FIG. The lower body shell BL consisting of the front body part BF and the lower body shell BL are respectively assembled on a dedicated assembly line, and in the coating process, the upper body shell BU and the lower body shell BL are respectively coated with the necessary coating,
In the vehicle assembly process, the upper body shell BU and the lower body shell BL are each equipped with necessary outfitting, and then,
A step of moving the underbody portion BD, which is separate or integral with the front body portion BF, from the front to the rear of the vehicle body relative to the upper body shell BU to connect the underbody portion BD to the upper body shell BU. After that, lower body shell BL and upper body shell B
The vehicle body is assembled by connecting U and assembling the body shell B including the upper body shell BU and the lower body shell BL, and then assembling the lid member and the lower unit 160 to the body shell B. The press-molding process is generally known, and the description thereof is omitted.

First, regarding the upper body shell BU, the underbody portion BD and the front body portion BF,
This will be described with reference to FIGS. The underbody portion BD includes a front floor 1, a pair of left and right front frames, a shaft tunnel 2, and a second cross member 3
And a pair of left and right seat brackets 4 and the like. As shown in FIG. 3, the front floor 1 includes a honeycomb-shaped substrate 1a made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.
And a reinforcing plate 1b made of aluminum or aluminum alloy fixed to both upper and lower surfaces of the substrate 1a. The reinforcing plate 1b may be made of a steel plate member.

The front body portion BF includes a pair of left and right front side frames 7 and wheel apron reinforcements 8, left and right wheel aprons 9, a cowl dash structure 10, a dash lower panel 5, a hinge pillar 6.
(See FIG. 15) It is composed of a closed cross-section structure 6A and the like that constitutes the front part. The upper body shell BU includes a body side panel 11 that constitutes a vehicle body side portion, a rear body 12 that constitutes a vehicle body rear portion, and a roof panel 13 that constitutes an upper portion of the vehicle body. Body side panel 11
Is a side outer panel 14 and a side inner panel 15.
The panels 14 and 15 form a front pillar 16 having a closed cross section, a closed cross section structure 6B forming the rear part of the hinge pillar 6, a center pillar 18, a rear pillar 19, and a pair of left and right side sills 20. Rear body 12
Is composed of a rear floor, a main center floor 40, a pair of left and right rear frames 21, a third cross member 41, a fourth cross member, and the like. As shown in FIG. 51, the main center floor 40 and the third cross member 41
May be attached to the underbody portion BD, or in order to increase the strength and rigidity of the front portion of the upper body shell BU,
As shown in phantom in FIG. 2, the cowl dash structure 10
The cowl member 10A may be attached to the upper body shell BU.

The connecting structure of the upper body shell BU and the underbody portion BD will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the inside lower parts of the left and right side sills 20 are made of aluminum or aluminum alloy or other materials manufactured by extrusion molding or the like. The metal receiving member 31 of the side sill 2
0 is provided from the front end portion to the rear end portion of the side sill 2 through the plurality of bolts 32 or by welding.
0, and the receiving member 31 is integrally formed with a pair of upper and lower receiving portions 31a and 31b protruding inward. The left and right ends of the front floor 1 are engaged between the receiving portions 31a and 31b. A possible engagement groove 33 is formed over substantially the entire length from the front end portion of the side sill 20, and the underbody portion BD slides the left and right end portions of the front floor 1 into the engagement groove 33 from the front. Then, attach it to the lower part of the upper body shell BU. The underbody portion BD is assembled in a state where the adhesive 30 is applied to the engagement groove 33 in advance, and the underbody portion BD is joined and fixed to the upper body shell BU. In this case, since the engaging groove 33 is filled with the adhesive 30 and adhered, a reliable seal can be achieved.
However, after the underbody portion BD is assembled, the adhesive 30
May be injected into the engaging groove 33 to join the upper body shell BU and the underbody portion BD. Also, in addition to bonding, the upper body shell BU and the underbody portion BD
May be fastened with bolts. The front floor 1 may be made of fiber reinforced synthetic resin.

When the front floor 1A made of a steel plate is used instead of the front floor 1, as shown in FIG.
The letter-shaped receiving member 31A is fixed to the receiving member 3 by welding or bolts.
Engagement grooves 34 capable of engaging the left and right ends of the front floor 1A may be formed between the lower receiving portions 31c and 31d of the 1A. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a pair of upper and lower substantially L-shaped receiving members 31B are vertically symmetrically welded or fixed to the inside lower part of the side sill 20 by welding or bolts to receive the receiving portions 31e of both receiving members 31B.
Forming engagement grooves 34A capable of engaging the left and right ends of the front floor 1A between 31f, inserting the left and right ends of the front floor 1A into the engagement grooves 34A from the front, and the underbody portion BD to the upper body shell BU You may assemble to the lower end part of.

A side sill having a closed cross-section structure made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, which is manufactured by extrusion molding as the side sill 20, will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 13. As shown in FIG. 6, left and right side sills 2
A receiving portion 35A that receives the left and right ends of the front floor 1 from below is provided in the lower part of the inside of 0A so as to horizontally project inward from the front end to the rear end of the side sill 20A.
The left and right ends of the front floor 1 are slidably inserted into the upper side of the receiving portion 35A from the front side, and the both are bonded with the adhesive 30
And secure with bolts. Note that the reinforcing closed cross-section portion 35C may be integrally formed as shown by a two-dot chain line. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the receiving portion 35B is provided in the middle portion of the side sill 20B.
Engagement groove 3 that is provided in parallel with the receiving portion 35A and that can engage both left and right ends of the front floor 1 between the receiving portions 35A and 35B.
3A may be formed and the front floor 1 may be fixed with a bolt and / or an adhesive. Incidentally, in order to increase the rigidity, urethane foam 35E may be filled inside the side sill 20B. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in order to further facilitate the assembling of the front floor 1, the receiving portion 35 of the side sill 20C is formed.
The gap between A and 35D may be increased, and the adhesive 30 may be filled between the receiving portion 35D and the front floor 1.

In addition, as shown in FIG.
Receiving parts 35F and 35 with a closed cross-section structure at the inner lower part and the middle part of D
G is formed, and an internally enlarged engagement groove 33A is formed between them.
The engaging portion 37 having a closed cross-section is formed at both ends of the front floor 1, the front end surface and the rear end surface of the engaging portion 37 are opened, and the adhesive 30 is filled in the engaging groove 33A. In this state, the engaging portion 37 may be inserted from the front into the engaging groove 33A to join the upper body shell BU and the underbody portion BD. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the side sill 20E
Communication hole 36 that opens into the engaging groove 33A in the receiving portion 35G of
a is formed at predetermined intervals and the left and right ends of the front floor 1 are inserted into the engagement grooves 33A, and the communication holes 36 are formed.
The adhesive 30 may be filled into the engagement groove 33A from a to join the upper body shell BU and the underbody portion BD. Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a receiving portion 35H and an internally enlarged engagement groove 33B are formed in the inner lower portions of the left and right side sills 20F, and a lateral T-shaped engagement groove is formed in the inner upper portion of the side sill 20F. 38, the engaging portions 37A at both ends of the front floor 1 are engaged with the engaging grooves 33B and supported by the receiving portions 35H, and the engaging grooves 38 are formed.
The outer ends of the seat bracket 4 and the second cross member 3 may be coupled to the side sill 20A via an engaging member 39 that engages with the. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the engaging grooves 33B and 33C are formed in the outer middle step portion and the lower end portion of the side sill 20G.
And the upper body shell BU so that the engaging portions 37B and 37C of the outer end portion of the front floor 1B made of FRP are engaged with the engaging grooves 33B and 33C and supported by the receiving portion 35I. The underbody portion BD is joined.

At the front end of the third cross member 41, a flange portion in the vehicle width direction along the rear end of the front floor 1, 1A and 1B is formed so as to project forward, and the upper body shell BU is formed. The rear end portions of the front floors 1, 1A and 1B inserted in the are lapped on the flange portion in the front-rear direction by a predetermined distance, and the both are joined by an adhesive agent or a bolt. A front end of the third cross member 41 is provided with a receiving member having a U-shaped cross section that is open toward the front.
Provided along the rear edge of A / B, front floor 1.1
Insert the rear end of A and 1B into the engaging groove of this receiving member,
You may make it couple | bond with an adhesive agent or a bolt.

The connecting structure of the front body portion BF and the upper body shell BU will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 15, the closed cross-section structure that constitutes the hinge pillar 6 is a divided surface 6a that is inclined with respect to the vertical plane facing the vehicle width direction.
Is divided into a pair of front and rear closed cross-section structures 6A and 6B, and the front body part BF and the upper body shell BU are respectively provided with the closed cross-section structures 6A and 6B. As shown in FIG. Assemble relative to the body shell BU from the front, and combine and combine both closed cross-section structures 6A and 6B. In this way, the front body portion BF and the upper body shell BU have a closed cross-section structure 6A.
By providing B respectively, the strength / rigidity of them and the strength / rigidity of the hinge pillar 6 can be increased before the connection. Reference numeral 17 is a reinforcing member of the instrument panel, and this reinforcing member 17 is a front body portion BF.
Is coupled to the side closed cross-section structure 6A. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the hinge pillar 6 may be divided into two in a pair of front and rear closed cross-section structures 6C and 6D by a vertical division surface 6b in the vehicle width direction.

As the connecting structure, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 14, the hinge pillar 6 is divided into two parts by a dividing surface 6c inclined forward in the vehicle width direction, and the body structure BF / BU has a closed cross-section structure 6E.・ 6F may be formed respectively. Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the hinge pillar 6 may be provided on the upper body shell BU side, or as shown in FIG.
The hinge pillar 6G is attached to the front body portion BF, and the hinge pillar outer 6H is attached to the upper body shell BU, so that the front body portion BF and the upper body shell B are attached.
The hinge pillar 6 may be configured by connecting U. However, when the side sill of FIGS. 6 to 11 is used, the lower end of the hinge pillar 6 is joined to the side sill with a bolt or the like.

At the rear end portion of the dash lower panel 5 of the front body portion BF, a flange portion extending in the vehicle width direction along the front end portions of the front floors 1, 1A and 1B is formed so as to project rearward, Front floor 1.1A
The front end portion of 1B is wrapped around the flange portion in the front-rear direction by a predetermined distance, and the both are joined by an adhesive or a bolt. A receiving member having a U-shaped cross section that opens rearward is provided at the rear end of the dash lower panel 5 in the vehicle width direction along the front end of the front floors 1.1A and 1B.
The front end portion of 1B may be inserted into the engaging groove of the receiving member and may be joined with an adhesive or a bolt.

Next, a method of assembling the automobile will be described. [Body assembly process] The upper body shell BU, the underbody part BD, and the front body part BF are assembled on their own assembly lines, but the description of the assembly line for assembling the body parts BD and BF is omitted.
Assembly line BUL for assembling the upper body shell BU
Will be described. In this assembly line BUL, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, nine stations S1 to S9 are provided, and the assembling jig unit JU is sequentially transferred by a carrying device (not shown) over these nine stations S1 to S9.
The upper body structure BU is assembled by sequentially positioning and fixing the body members with respect to the inner panel of the assembly jig unit JU. It is assumed that a plurality of assembling jig units JU are prepared according to the vehicle type and are made to stand by at the jig stock station ST, and the carrying device is a linear system or lift & carry with a general configuration. It is a type of transport device.

First, the assembly jig unit JU is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. The assembly jig unit JU includes a pallet P, an RF holding mechanism for positioning and fixing the rear body 12, and a pair of left and right SPs for positioning and fixing the left and right side inner panels 15.
Holding mechanism and front header 22 of roof panel 13
And a pair of front and rear RH holding mechanisms for positioning and fixing the rear header 23, respectively.

Explaining the RF holding mechanism, a pair of left and right support brackets 45 are provided at the rear portion of the pallet P at predetermined intervals in the front and rear, and each support bracket 4 is provided.
5 is provided with a positioning pin 46 and a clamp device C1, and the front and rear ends of the left and right rear frames 21 of the rear body 12 are positioned on the pallet P by the four positioning pins 46 and the pallet by the four clamp devices C1. Fixed on P.

The SP holding mechanism is for positioning and fixing the left and right side inner panels 15 respectively, and is provided on the left and right portions of the pallet P respectively, but the left and right S
Since the P holding mechanism has a bilaterally symmetrical structure, only the left one will be described. A fixed base 47 is provided on the left side of the pallet P, a support plate 48 is supported on the fixed base 47 so as to be movable in the left and right directions, and a substantially lateral F-shaped support frame 49 is provided on the support plate 48. Clamping devices C2 for fixing the roof rail inners at the upper ends of the side inner panels 15 are provided at the upper ends of the pair of front and rear vertical columns 49a of the support frame 49, and the support plate 48 is provided with the center liner 18A. A positioning device P1 for positioning the middle part and a clamp device C3 for fixing are provided, and the rear end part of the rear inner liner 19A of the side inner panel 15 is positioned at the rear end part of the horizontal member 49b of the support frame 49. A positioning device P2 for fixing and a clamp device C4 for fixing are provided.

Further, a support base 50 is provided on the pallet P in front of the fixed base 47, a movable plate 51 is supported on the support base 50 so as to be movable in the left and right directions, and a vertical column 52 is mounted on the movable plate 51. Is provided upright, and a substantially U-shaped support frame 53 is provided above the vertical column 52. The support frame 53 is fixed to the positioning device P3 for positioning the hinge pinner 17A of the side inner panel 15. A pair of upper and lower clamp devices C5 are provided, and the left side inner panel 15 is positioned through the positioning devices P1 to P3.
It is also fixed via the clamp devices C2 to C5.

Explaining the RH holding mechanism, a pair of front and rear vertical columns 5 is provided between the fixed bases 47 on the left and right of the pallet P.
4 is provided upright, a support frame 55 is provided between the upper ends of both the vertical columns 54, and the front frame 22 has a pair of arms 55a at the ends thereof. A positioning device P4 for positioning and a clamp device C6 for fixing are provided, and the rear end portion of the bifurcated arm portion 55b at the rear end of the support frame 55 is provided with a portion near both ends of the rear header 23. A positioning device P5 for positioning and a clamping device C7 for fixing are provided respectively from the side, and the front header 22 is positioned and fixed to the pallet P via a pair of positioning devices P5 and C6. , Rear header 23
Is positioned and fixed to the pallet P via a pair of positioning devices P6 and a clamp device C7. The pair of arm portions 5 provided in the central portion of the support frame 55
At both ends of 5c, a positioning device P6 for positioning the vicinity of both ends of the roof bow 24 sub-assembled to the roof panel 13 and a clamp device C8 for fixing are provided.

As shown in FIG. 24, each of the clamp devices C1 to C8 is a toggle clamp device having a general structure including a substantially crank-shaped clamp lever 56 and an air cylinder 57 for rotationally driving the clamp lever 56. The positioning devices P1 to P6 have a general structure including a positioning pin 58 and an air cylinder 59 for driving the positioning pin 58 forward and backward. In addition, in the SP holding mechanism, as shown in FIG.
4, the clamp lever 4 of the clamp device C5
5 is an opening 15a formed in the side inner panel 15
And the side inner panel 15 is clamped.

23, the clamp devices C2 to C4 and the positioning devices P1 and P2 are provided via a support plate 48 and a support frame 49, and the clamp device C5 and the positioning device P3 are provided via a vertical column 52 and a movable plate 51. As shown, when assembling the vehicle body member to the assembling jig unit JU, the vehicle body members are moved and driven by the drive mechanism (not shown) to the assembling positions shown in solid lines to assemble the necessary vehicle body members, and then the upper body is assembled. After assembling the structure BU, the assembly jig unit JU is moved to the retracted position shown by imaginary lines so that the assembly jig unit JU can be pulled out downward from the floor opening 1c (see FIG. 24) before the assembly of the front floor 1. To be done.

Next, a vehicle body member supplied to the vehicle body assembly line BUL will be described with reference to FIGS. The rear body 12 is sub-assembled in the first sub-line SL1. The left and right side inner panels 15 are composed of an inner panel body, a roof rail inner, an impact bracket, a wheel house, a suspension reinforcing material, and the like, and are sub-assembled in the second sub line SL2.

The front header 22 and the rear header 23, which are roof inner members of the roof panel 13, are
Each of them is composed of a header inner panel, a header outer panel and the like, and is sub-assembled in the third sub-line SL3. The left and right side outer panels 14 are composed of an outer panel body, a front hinge reinforcing material, a rear hinge reinforcing material, a center pillar reinforcing material, a rear striker reinforcing material, a corner plate, etc., and are sub-assembled in the fourth sub-line SL4. The roof panel 13 includes an outer panel body, a roof bow 24, and the like, and is sub-assembled at the fifth sub line SL5. The bonnet 25 and the trunk lid 26 are each sub-assembled in a sub-line not shown, and the four side doors 27 are each provided with a door inner panel, a door outer panel, a sash, etc., and are sub-assembled in a sixth sub-line SL6.

Next, a method of assembling the upper body shell BU will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 25 to 28. Since the upper body shell BU is assembled by sequentially assembling the vehicle body members to the assembling jig unit JU which is sequentially transferred over the stations S1 to S9 of the vehicle body assembly line BUL, the upper body shell BU at each of the stations S1 to S9. The contents of the assembling work will be sequentially described from the upstream side. Incidentally, the assembling jig unit JU in the stations S1 to S9 in the figure is omitted.

In the first station S1, as shown in FIG. 25, the rear body 12 is fed from the first sub-line SL1 and positioned after the assembly jig unit JU transferred from the jig stock station ST and positioned. Fix it. At this time, as shown in FIG. 21, the rear body 12
Are accurately positioned and fixed to the assembly jig unit JU via the four positioning pins 46 and the four clamp devices C1. In the second station S2, as shown in FIG. 25, the second sub-line SL is provided for the assembly jig unit JU which is transferred and positioned from the first station S1.
After supplying the left and right side inner panels 15 from 2, they are positioned and fixed. At this time, the left and right side inner panels 1
As shown in FIG. 21, the mounting jig unit J is mounted on the mounting jig unit J through the positioning devices P1 to P3 and the clamping devices C2 to C5.
Position and fix to U with high accuracy.

Here, a transfer device 60 for transferring the side inner panel 15 to the second station S2 will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. A guide rail (not shown) is provided over the upper portion of S2, and the guide rail has a pair of left and right vertical frames 61 extending downward.
Is movably supported, and an elevating arm 62 is cantilevered on both vertical frames 61 so as to be vertically movable.
The elevating arm 62 is driven up and down by an elevating drive mechanism (not shown) provided near the upper end of the vertical frame 61.

A guide rail 63 is attached to the side surface of each elevating arm 62, and a base plate 64 which is driven to move in the left and right directions by a cylinder 65 is supported by the guide rail 63. The piston rod 66 of the cylinder 66 is erected
A movable plate 67 is provided at the lower end of a, and a support arm 68 and a rocking prevention arm 69 that can be inserted from the door opening of the side inner panel 15 are rotatably provided on the movable plate 67. 15 is conveyed while being supported by a supporting arm 68 and held by a rocking prevention arm 69 so as not to rock.

In the third station S3, as shown in FIG. 25, the front header 22 and the rear header 23 are supplied from the third sub-line SL3 to the positioned assembling jig unit JU, and then positioned and fixed. . At this time, as shown in FIG. 22, the headers 22 and 23 are respectively provided with positioning devices P4 and P5 and a clamping device C6.
-Position accurately with C7. After that, the two welding robots 70 provided in the third station S3 temporarily weld both ends of the headers 21 and 23 to the left and right side inner panels 15, and temporarily weld the side inner panels 15 to the rear body 12. .

In the fourth station S4, as shown in FIG. 25, the two welding robots 71 perform additional welding to connect the left and right side inner panels 15 to the rear body 12 and to connect the headers 22 and 23 to the left and right. It is connected to the side inner panel 15 of. At the fifth station S5, FIG.
As shown in, the left and right side outer panels 14 are supplied from the fourth sub-line SL4 and positioned and fixed to the left and right side inner panels 15 fixed to the assembly jig unit JU.

At the sixth station S6, as shown in FIG. 26, the roof panel 13 is supplied from the fifth sub-line SL5 to the assembling jig unit JU and then positioned and fixed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 22, the roof panel 1
3 is accurately positioned and fixed via the positioning device P6 and the clamp device C8. Thereafter, the two welding robots 72 temporarily weld the side outer panel 14 to the side inner panel 15, and the roof panel 13 to the front and rear headers 22 and 23 and the side outer panel 14 by temporary welding.

At the seventh station S7, as shown in FIG. 26, two welding robots 73 perform additional welding on the vehicle body member temporarily welded at the sixth station S6.
In the eighth station S8, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 28, the pair of left and right door supply robots 75 sequentially supply the front and rear side doors 27 from the sixth sub-line SL6, and the side doors 27 are paired vertically. The hinge member 76 of the side outer panel 14 with the nut runner 79 of the fastening device 78.
Temporarily stop. The door supply robot 75 is a multi-joint robot having an existing well-known structure, and the hand 75a thereof is provided with a frame 81 having a pair of toggle clamp devices 80,
The clamp lever 80a of the clamp device 80 is inserted through the window opening, and the clamp lever 80a is configured to hold the door sash.

At the ninth station S9, as shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 9, the upper body shell BU assembled at the stations S1 to S8 is lifted by the elevating device 82 to pull out the assembly jig unit JU from the upper body shell BU toward the lower side, and also the assembly jig unit JU.
Is transferred to the jig stock station ST, and the Abber body shell BU is transferred to a transfer station (not shown) in the coating line.

The elevating device 82 will be described. As shown in FIG. 29, a vertical column 83 is erected vertically on the right side of the ninth station S9 and the transfer station with a predetermined distance in the front and rear. The up-and-down arms 84 are supported so as to be movable up and down, a support frame 85 is provided at the tip of both the up-and-down arms 84, and a guide rail 86 is installed between the front and rear support frames 85. And the lifting arm 84 are both driven up and down by a lifting drive mechanism 87.

A base plate 88 is provided on the guide rail 86.
Is movably suspended in the front-rear direction, and the base plate 88
29. Four support arms 89 capable of supporting the upper body shell BU from below are swingably supported at the four corners of each of the support arms 89, and each support arm 89 is mounted on the arm portion 85a of the support frame 85 through the cylinder 90 attached thereto, as shown in FIG. Is driven to open and close to the use position shown by the one-dot chain line and the retracted position shown by the two-dot chain line, and the upper body shell BU is lifted from the ninth station S9 to the transfer station with the upper body shell BU being lifted as shown by the solid line. The shell BU is transferred, and as shown in FIG. 32, the upper body shell BU is lowered at the transfer station and set in the coating jig unit 91.

Here, a modification in which the vehicle body assembly line BUL is partially changed will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 30, the side inner panel 15 and the side outer panel 14 are sub-assembled to form the body side panel 1.
Sub line SL20 for assembling 1 is provided, and sub line S
The left and right body side panels 11 are supplied from L20 to the second station S20, and the left and right body side panels 11 are supplied from the first station S1 to the second station S2.
It is transferred to A and positioned and fixed on the assembly jig unit JU which has been positioned.

Next, in the second subline SL21, the assembling jig unit JU in which the roof panel assembly member 13A in which the front and rear front headers 22 and the rear headers 23 are subassembled to the roof panel 13 in advance is positioned at the third station S3A. Then, temporary welding is performed by the two welding robots 72A on the vehicle body member assembled to the assembling jig unit JU after being supplied to the assembly jig unit JU. Next, in the fourth station S4A, additional welding is performed by the two welding robots 73A, and then the welding robot 73A transfers the welding robot to the eighth station S8.

[Coating Process] Next, the coating process will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 36. In this painting process, the upper body shell BU (however, this upper body shell BU is not included in the side door 2
7 and the trunk lid 26 are temporarily fixed), the left and right front fenders 28, and the bonnet 25 are set in the same coating jig unit 91, and the necessary coating is sequentially applied to the underbody. Required coating is applied to the portion BD and the front body portion BF, respectively.

First, the coating jig unit 91 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, four wheels 9 are provided.
2 is a substantially rectangular frame-shaped base frame 9 that can be moved.
3 is provided, a pair of left and right holding mechanisms 94 for fixedly holding the rear frame 21 of the upper body shell BU is provided at a rear portion of the base frame 93, and a hinge pillar is provided at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the base frame 93. A pair of left and right holding mechanisms 94 for fixing and holding the lower end portion of the closed cross-section structure 6B at the rear of the 17 are provided, and the upper body shell BU has the base frame 93 via these four holding mechanisms 94.
It is fixedly held at.

As shown in FIG. 34, each of the holding mechanisms 94 operates the fixing pin 96 mounted on the support bracket 95 in the left-right direction outward by the operation lever 97 to move the outer end portion of the fixing pin 96. The operation lever 97 is attached to the reference hole (not shown) of the rear frame 21 or the closed cross-section structure 6B, and in this state.
The upper body shell BU by engaging with the engaging member 98.
Is fixedly held on the base frame 93. In order to fix the front fender 28 and the bonnet 25 to the base frame 93, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 35, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped frame-shaped support frame 99 is provided at the front portion of the base frame 93. 28 is fixed to the base frame 93 by inserting the support pins 100 provided in the support frame 99 into the three bolt holes for fixing the front fender.
The bonnet hinge 25a is temporarily fixed to a pair of left and right fixed blocks 101 provided on the support frame 99 with bolts and fixedly held.

Next, the coating process for applying the coating using the coating jig unit 91 will be described with reference to FIG. The four side doors 27, the upper body shell BU, the bonnet 25, and the front fender 28 set in the coating jig unit 91 are hung together with the coating jig unit 91 by the hanger 102, and each of the coating lines. It shall be transferred to the station in sequence.

In the chemical conversion treatment step, the coating jig unit 9 is used.
After degreasing the upper body shell BU and the vehicle body member set to 1 with, for example, an alkaline degreasing agent,
A zinc phosphate-based chemical conversion coating is formed by a continuous spray method, and then thoroughly washed with water. In the undercoating step, the upper body shell BU and the body member are immersed together with the coating jig knit 91 in a paint tank containing, for example, an epoxy electrodeposition paint, and a voltage of 200 to 400 V is applied as the body member cathode. Cationic electrodeposition coating is applied, and after electrodeposition coating is thoroughly washed with water, followed by baking and drying at 170 ° C. for 25 minutes. In the undercoat application step, urethane or PVC-based chipping-resistant paint is applied by spraying to the lower outer surface of the upper body shell BU, the lower outer surface of the side door 27, the outer surface of the lower portion of the front fender 28 on the rear end side, and the like. Then, for example, a chipping-resistant coating film having a thickness of 100 to 200 μm is formed.

In the intermediate coating step, the upper body shell BU set in the coating jig unit 91 and the vehicle body member are grounded, and, for example, an epoxy ester-based coating is applied.
Electrostatic coating is performed by charging to 60 to -90 kV, the solvent is evaporated after setting for 5 to 10 minutes after coating, and baking is performed at 140 to 150 ° C for 20 to 25 minutes in the next drying step. In the top coating step, the upper body shell BU set in the coating jig unit 91 and the vehicle body member are grounded, and a melamine / alkyd resin or acrylic resin-based coating material is charged to −60 to −90 kV, for electrostatic coating. After coating, set the solvent for 5-10 minutes after coating to evaporate the solvent, and then 140-150 ° C in the next drying step.
Bake for 25 minutes to dry.

As described above, the side door 27, the upper body shell BU, the front fender 28, and the bonnet 25 are used in each step from the chemical conversion treatment step to the top coating step.
And are set in the same coating jig unit 91 and are coated together, so that variations in coating color can be prevented, and the coating line and the transportation device including the hanger 102 can be prevented from becoming complicated. This is advantageous in terms of equipment economy and, moreover, it is also advantageous in terms of running cost since the carry-out amount (consumption amount) of the electrodeposition coating material adhering to the hanger 102 can be reduced. A mechanism for holding a light lid, a garnish, etc. may be provided in the front part of the support frame 99, and these vehicle body members may be painted together with the upper body shell BU.

Next, the coating process of the underbody portion BD will be described. First, in the underbody portion processing step, a sealer is applied to a required portion of the underbody portion BD, and a hole cover for a hole formed in the underbody portion BD. Work such as installation of, and laying of melt sheet. Next, in the undercoat applying step, urethane or PVC is applied to the lower surface of the underbody portion BD.
System chipping-resistant paint is applied by spraying, and baked and dried in a drying oven common to the drying oven used in the drying step after the intermediate coating step of the upper body shell BU, for example, 100 to 2
A chipping resistant coating of 00 μm is formed. When the front floor 1 is made of a steel plate, the underbody portion BD may be set together with the upper body shell BU in the same coating jig unit 91 and coated together until the intermediate coating step.

Similar to the upper body shell BU, the front body portion BF is subjected to chemical conversion treatment, undercoat coating and undercoat coating, and is common to a drying oven used in a drying step after the middle coating step of the upper body shell BU. Bake and dry in a drying oven. In this way, the body part BD
Since the BF is dried in the same drying furnace as the upper body shell BU, the drying efficiency can be improved, the running cost can be reduced, and the facility is economically advantageous. In addition, by the drying furnace used in the drying process after the top coating process, the body portion BD.
The BF may be baked and dried. As shown in FIG. 36, a holding jig for fixing and holding the front body portion BF to the front part of the base frame 93A is used by using the painting jig unit 91A in which the support frame 99 of the painting jig unit 91 is omitted. A mechanism 94A is provided to hold this holding mechanism 9.
The front body part BF is connected to the base frame 9 via the 4A.
The front fender 28 and the bonnet 25 may be temporarily fixed to the front body portion BF while being held by the 3A, and the front body portion BF may be painted together with the side door 27 and the upper body shell BU.

After applying the necessary coating as described above,
From the coating jig unit 91 to the upper body shell BU
And the left and right front fenders 28 and bonnet 25 are removed, and the left and right side doors 2 from the upper body shell BU.
7 and the trunk lid 26 are removed, and the body member set in the coating jig unit 91 and both body parts BD.
The BF is transferred to each dedicated outfitting line in the vehicle assembly process.

[Vehicle Assembly Process] Next, the vehicle assembly process will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 to 46. In this vehicle assembly process, the outfitting line including the exclusive outfitting line of the upper body shell BU is configured as the main outfitting line, and as shown in FIG. 37, the outfitting line is outfitted to the main outfitting line respectively. Both the body parts BD and BF, the body members such as the lid member, and the outfittings are sequentially supplied, and these are assembled to the upper body shell BU to assemble the automobile.

First, the exclusive fitting line for each body member will be described. In the exclusive outfitting line for the upper body shell BU, as shown in FIG. 38, the upper body shell BU is set on the transporting trolley device 110 and is transported along the outfitting line while being provided on the transporting trolley device 110. By the outfitting robot 115, a screw grommet, a fastener, a harness, an interior unit (including a top ceiling, a sun visor, a room mirror, etc.), a rear strut, and a rear combination lamp are attached to a portion of the upper body shell BU on the passenger compartment 29 side. , Package units (including package trim, speakers, high mount lamps, etc.), rear bumpers, rear floor mats, rear seats, luggage compartment units, rear window glass, and other outfitting components will be installed.

Briefly explaining the carrier vehicle device 110, a self-propelled carrier vehicle 114 that runs along the outfitting line is provided, and a plurality of carrier body vehicles 114 for positioning and holding the upper body shell BU are provided. A support bracket 116 is erected upright, and in the center of the carriage 114, from the floor opening 1c to the passenger compartment 2 of the upper body shell BU.
9 is provided with a robot 115 to be inserted into the robot 1.
Sub-pallets 117 are provided on both left and right sides of 15,
A plurality of outfittings are set in each sub-pallet 117 in a predetermined arrangement, and the tool installation table 1 is provided on the left side of the robot 115.
18 is provided outside the upper body shell BU, and a plurality of tools detachably attached to the hand of the robot 115 are set in a predetermined arrangement on the tool installation base 118. Since the robot 115 is a multi-joint robot having a general configuration, its detailed description will be omitted.

A robot 115 is provided at the rear of the carriage 114.
A control box 119 for controlling the robot is provided, and the robot 115 uses the control box 119.
Is controlled based on a command from the above, and the necessary outfittings are sequentially assembled to the upper body shell BU while moving the carrier 114. Since the fittings are assembled to the upper body shell BU with the underbody portion BD separated in this way, the robot 1 can be installed from the floor opening 1c of the upper body shell BU.
15 can be inserted, and the work of assembling the fittings in the vehicle interior 29 can be greatly automated, and the fittings can be applied efficiently. Moreover, since the upper body shell BU is outfitted while the transport carriage 114 is moved, there is almost no dead time for inter-station transport on the outfitting line. However, it is needless to say that the outfittings may be assembled while intermittently moving the transport carriage 114 over a plurality of stations. If necessary, the upper body shell BU is transferred to the carrier vehicle 112 having a rotary support mechanism for rotatably supporting the upper body shell BU as shown in FIG. It is also possible to assemble the fittings such as the top sealing TP with respect to the upper body shell BU by the automatic machine 113 provided on the line side in a state of being rotated by a predetermined angle.

Moreover, as described above, the assembling jig unit J
Upper body shell B based on inner panel using U
By assembling U, the assembling accuracy can be maintained high, and since the robot 115 is installed on the transport carriage 114 together with the upper body shell BU, the positioning accuracy of the robot 115 with respect to the upper body shell BU can be maintained high. It is possible to smoothly proceed with automatic outfitting. In addition, since the robot 115 and the carrier 114 can be removed from the outfitting line when they are out of order, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the operating rate of the outfitting line, and also when the outfitting line is changed due to a model change. It is also possible to teach the robot 115 with. Furthermore, trials can be performed outside the outfitting line when the robot 115 or the carrier 114 is newly installed or repaired.

In the equipment line dedicated to the underbody portion BD, as shown in FIG. 40, the underbody portion BD
Are sequentially positioned and fixed to a pallet (not shown) and sequentially transferred to a plurality of stations on the outfitting line. First, the change lever 150, the parking brake lever 151, the floor mat 152,
The rear seat belt 153 and the rear console 154 and other fittings are assembled, then small parts such as fasteners and bolts are assembled by a robot (not shown), and then the left and right front seats 155 are assembled by a robot (not shown). The four seat protectors 156 that cover the feet of the front seat 155 are attached to the. As described above, since the outfitting parts are assembled to the underbody part BD in the dedicated outfitting line in a state where the outfitting parts are separated from the upper body shell BU, the work efficiency of assembling the outfitting parts is significantly improved by adopting a robot or the like. You can

In the equipment line dedicated to the front body portion BF, as shown in FIG. 41, the front body portion BF is
With the carriage set on the carrier device 120, the outfitting lines are sequentially transferred to the accelerator pedal, the brake pedal,
Fittings such as wiper motor, dash unit (including instrument panel assembly, air conditioning unit, etc.) 157 are installed.

The carrier vehicle device 120 is provided with a support mechanism 123 capable of changing the posture of the front body portion BF between a substantially horizontal horizontal posture and an inverted posture shown by a solid line, and the front body portion BF according to the equipment. The posture is changed and the assembly operation of the outfitting is performed by the automatic machine 122 on the line side. The dash unit 157 and the like are shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, it is positioned and placed on the front body portion BF held in the inverted posture by the line side supply device 121, and is assembled to the front body portion BF by the line side automatic machine 122. In this way, the posture of the front body portion BF is switched to assemble the fittings, so that the work efficiency of the assembling work can be significantly improved, and a holding mechanism for holding the fittings to the front body BF, etc. Can be omitted.

The side door 27 and the front fender 2
In the dedicated outfitting line for 8, the bonnet 25, and the trunk lid 26, after painting black, applying secondary rust preventive oil, attaching the molding and rubber, etc., the necessary fittings such as harness, lamp, window regulator Install.
As described above, since the necessary outfittings are assembled in the dedicated outfitting line with the lid member removed from the upper body shell BU, the work efficiency of these can be significantly improved.

Next, a joining process for joining the upper body shell BU, the underbody portion BD and the front body portion BF will be described. First, as shown in FIG.
The front body part BF is assembled relative to the underbody part BD from the front, and both body parts BD and BF are joined to assemble the integrated lower body shell BL.
The body parts BD and BF are connected by bolt / nut connection, adhesive connection, welded connection, or combination thereof.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 43 to 45, the lower body shell BL is set on the movable carriage 125 of the joining station CS1 and the upper body shell BU is hung by the hanger 127 to the left and right of the joining station CS1. The movable carriage 125 is fixed to a pair of fixed bases 126, and the movable carriage 125 is moved from the front to the rear of the vehicle body to the lower side of the upper body shell BU to assemble the lower body shell BL from the front relative to the upper body shell BU. In addition, the left and right ends of the front floor 1 are inserted into the left and right engagement grooves 33 of the side sill 20 from the front, and the left and right ends of the front floor 1 are engaged and supported on the receiving portions 31b of the engagement grooves 33. Then, the engaging groove 33 is fixed by the adhesive 30. In parallel with this, the cross-sectional structures 6A and 6B that form the hinge pillar 6 are combined in the front and back, and the other connecting portions of the front floor 1 and the upper body shell BU by the fastening robot 128 or the like provided between the fixed bases 126 ( For example, the closed section structures 6A and 6B are coupled together with the coupling portion at the rear end of the front floor 1), and the body shell B is assembled by coupling the lower body shell BL and the upper body shell BU in this way. . This connection may be bolt / nut connection, adhesive connection, welded connection, or combination of these. When the cowl member 10A (see FIG. 2) is attached to the upper body shell BU, the reclining device is used to prevent the upper end of the front seat 155 from interfering with the cowl member 10A. To bring the upper body shell BU and the underbody shell BL together.

As a modified example of the joining process for joining the upper body shell BU and the lower body shell BL, as shown in FIGS.
After assembling D from the front relative to the upper body shell BU and connecting them, the front body portion BF
May be assembled relative to the upper body shell BU and the underbody portion BD from the front and coupled.

Next, the body shell B is hung on a transfer hanger (not shown) and sequentially transferred to a plurality of stations for constructing the lid member, and the side door 27 and the trunk lid 26 are attached to the body shell B. After installing and adjusting the windshield, assemble them in order. In this way, since the lid member is erected before assembling the lower unit 160 having a relatively large weight, the body shell B can be transported by making the most effective use of a transport device having a relatively simple structure such as a transport hanger. Also, since the lid member is assembled before the reference hole on the body shell B side is hidden or blocked by the assembly of the lower unit 160, the lid member is assembled with the body shell B accurately positioned in a predetermined station. Since the lid members are assembled to the body shell B that can be manufactured and has high rigidity, the assembling accuracy of these lid members can be significantly improved. Furthermore, the upper body shell BU
Since the windshield is assembled after the lower body shell BL and the lower body shell BL are coupled, the lower end of the windshield can be coupled without interfering with the upper end of the front seat 155. The side door 27 is attached to the body shell B by the door supply robot 75 and the fastening device 7 used in the vehicle body assembly process.
It is assumed that this is performed using a door supply robot and a fastening device having the same configuration as in item 8.

Next, in the lower unit assembling step of assembling the lower unit 160 to the body shell B,
As shown in FIG. 46, the pallet 12 is previously sublined.
9. A lower unit 160 including an engine 161, a transmission (not shown), a front and rear suspension 162, an exhaust pipe 163, a fuel tank 164, etc., which are positioned and fixed on 9, is transferred onto a conveyor 130 of a coupling station CS2. The body shell B is hung by a supporting arm 131 of an elevating device (not shown) to connect the station CS.
2, the lower body unit 160 is assembled to the body shell B from below by lowering the body shell B, and the lower body unit B is lowered by the two fastening robots 132 provided at the lower part of the coupling station CS2. The unit 160 is attached to the body shell B with bolts or the like. Since the lower unit 160 is assembled to the body shell B having high rigidity in this way, the lower unit 160, which greatly affects the running performance, can be assembled with high accuracy.

Next, the left and right front faders 28 and the bonnet 25 are assembled and adjusted with respect to the body shell B, and then the tires and the like are lowered to the unit 16
Assemble the car to 0 and assemble the car. In this way, since the hood 25 is assembled after the lower unit 160 is assembled, the lower unit 1 is attached to the body shell B.
When the 60 is assembled, interference with the bonnet 25 does not occur, and a holding device or the like for holding the bonnet 25 in the open state can be omitted, which is advantageous in terms of equipment economy, and the work of assembling the lower unit 160 The efficiency can be increased.

In the vehicle assembling process, about 39 minutes are required for the fitting work for the upper body shell BU, about 9 minutes for the fitting work for the underbody portion BD, and the front body portion B.
It takes about 25 minutes to outfit F, and the outfitting line including the outfitting line of the upper body shell BU, which requires the most outfitting time, is configured as the main outfitting line. The body parts BD and BF can be supplied without any operation, and the vehicle assembly line can be operated efficiently.

Next, a modification of the automobile assembling method will be described. As shown in FIG. 50, in the vehicle body assembly process, the lower body shell BL in which the underbody portion BD and the front body portion BF are integrated and the upper body shell BU are assembled on their own assembly lines. still,
As shown in FIG. 50, the cowl member 10A of the cowl / dash structure 10 may be attached to the upper body shell BU, or as shown in FIG.
0 and the third cross member 41 may be attached to the lower body shell BL.

Next, in the coating step, the upper body shell BU is subjected to the necessary coating in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and the lower body shell BL is subjected to the necessary processing in the same manner as the underbody portion BD. After that, the necessary coating is performed on a dedicated coating line, and then baking and drying are performed in a drying oven that is the same as the drying oven used in the intermediate coating step of the upper body shell BU or the drying step after the top coating step.

Next, in the vehicle assembling process, as shown in FIG. 52, the necessary fittings are attached to the upper body shell BU in the same manner as in the above embodiment, and the lower body shell BL is attached.
As for the above, the fittings assembled to the underbody portion BD and the front body portion BF in the above embodiment are assembled, and as shown in FIGS. 43 to 45, the lower body shell B is assembled.
Assemble L from the front relative to the upper body shell BU, and connect both body shells BU and BL. still,
The outfitting work for the lower body shell BL may be performed in a state of being set on the carrier vehicle 120 as in the above-described embodiment.

Here, various modifications of the coupling structure of the upper body shell BU, the underbody portion BD and the front body portion BF will be additionally described. First, the connection structure of the upper body shell BU and the underbody portion BD will be described.

As shown in FIG. 53, side sills 20H made of steel plates and inner side sill portions 20a having a closed cross section are integrally formed at both left and right ends of the front floor 1A, respectively.
Outer side sill portion 20b having a closed cross section integrated with the lower end portion of the body side panel of the upper body shell BU.
And a receiving portion 35J horizontally projecting inward is formed at the inner lower end portion of each outer side sill portion 20b.
By moving the underbody portion BD relatively rearward with respect to the upper body shell BU, the left and right end portions of the underbody portion BD are engaged and supported on the left and right receiving portions 35J, respectively. The outer side sill portions 20b are bonded and fixed with an adhesive.
When such a connecting structure is adopted, a large adhesive area can be formed, and therefore strong adhesive bonding can be achieved.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 54, the side sills 20I are integrally fixed to the left and right ends of the front floor 1 composed of the same honeycomb substrate 1a and the reinforcing plates 1b on both upper and lower sides thereof, respectively, or It is divided into an inner side sill portion 20c made of an aluminum alloy and having a closed cross section, and an outer side sill portion 20d having a closed cross section that is integrated with the lower end of the body side panel of the upper body shell BU, and the inside of each outer side sill portion 20d. A receiving portion 35K that horizontally protrudes inward is formed at the lower end portion, and by moving the underbody portion BD rearward relative to the upper body shell BU, the left and right end portions of the underbody portion BD are received to the left and right. The inner side sill portion 20c and the outer side sill portion 20d are engaged with and supported by the respective portions 35K. Bonded fixed by an adhesive. When such a connecting structure is adopted, a large adhesive area can be formed, and therefore strong adhesive bonding can be achieved.

As shown in FIGS. 55 to 57, a step 40a is formed near the front end of the center floor 40, and the step 4a is formed.
0a is provided with a third cross member 41, the center floor 40 and the third cross member 41 form a closed cross-section structure, and the center floor 40 and the third cross member 4 are provided.
A receiving portion 170 is provided at the front end portion of the first portion 1 over substantially the entire width thereof, and an engaging groove 171 into which the rear end portion of the front floor 1A can be inserted from the front is formed between the receiving portions 170. A pair of left and right front frames 172 joined to the lower surface of 1A are provided so as to project rearward from the front floor 1A, and a pair of left and right rear frames 173 joined to the lower surface of the center floor 40 are front ends of the center floor 40. The rear frame 173 is provided up to the vicinity thereof, and the front end of the rear frame 173 is configured to be inserted into the rear end of the front frame 172. With the adhesive filled in the engagement groove 171, the underbody portion BD is inserted into the upper body shell BU. Relative to the front, the rear end of the front floor 1A is inserted into the engaging groove 171 to bond the two together, and the rear frame 1 3 front frame 1 a front end portion of
72 is inserted into the rear end portion and is fastened with bolts 174, and the underbody portion BD and the upper body shell BU are
Combine with. Incidentally, in order to further increase the bonding strength, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 57, the front floor 1A and the third cross member 41 may be connected via a connection bracket 175.

Further, as shown in FIG. 58, when the third cross member 41A is joined to the lower surface side of the center floor 40A, the receiving member 176 is provided on the vicinity of the front end of the center floor 40A, and the receiving member 176 is provided. And center floor 40
A receiving portion 170A is formed at the front end portion of A, and both receiving portions 170A are formed.
An engaging groove 171A into which the rear end of the front floor 1A can be inserted may be formed between A. Further, as shown in FIG. 59, a joint flange portion 177 extending forward is provided at the front end portions of the center floor 40B and the third cross member 41B, and a recess extending in the vehicle width direction is formed in the lower half portion of the step portion 40a of the center floor 40B. 178 is formed, and a flange portion 179 is formed at the rear end of the front floor 1A along the upper surface of the joint flange portion 177 and the rear end surface of the recess 178.
While the adhesive is applied to the upper surface of 7 and the rear end surface of the recess 178, the underbody portion BD is attached to the upper body shell B.
When assembled from the front relative to U, the upper surface of the joint flange portion 177 and the rear end surface of the recess 178 and the flange portion 17
9 and 9 may be adhesively bonded.

Next, the connecting structure of the upper body shell BU and the front body portion BF will be described. Fig. 60
As shown in FIG. 7, the hinge pillar outer 6J is divided into a front hinge pillar outer 6K and a rear hinge pillar outer 6L, and the hinge pillar 6 having a closed cross section is formed by the rear hinge pillar outer 6L on the upper body shell BU side and the hinge pin liner 6M. 6L and the hinge pillar 6M have front end portions 180 extending in the vertical direction formed at the front end portions thereof, and the rear end portion of the front hinge pillar outer 6K on the front body portion BF side is inserted between the both receiving portions 180. The engagement groove 181 is formed, and the front body portion BF is assembled from the front relative to the upper body shell BU in a state where the engagement groove 181 is filled with the adhesive, and the rear end portion of the front hinge pillar outer 6K. The engaging groove 181
Insert it inside and bond them together. As shown in FIG. 61, the rear end of the front side frame 7 is bifurcated and fixed to the lower surface of the dash lower panel 5, and the dash lower panel 5 and the front side frame 7 are respectively attached to the left and right ends of the danscher lower panel 5. A box-shaped engagement holder 182 having a rear opening joined to the side sill 20 is provided.
An engaging convex portion 183 that can be internally fitted in the engaging holder 182 is provided at the front end portion of the front body portion of the front body portion with an adhesive applied to the inner surface of the engaging holder 182 or the outer surface of the engaging convex portion 183. The BF is assembled from the front relative to the upper body shell BU, and the engaging protrusion 1 is installed in the engaging holder 182.
83 is inserted and both are adhesively bonded and the bolt 18
Sign both in 4.

As shown in FIGS. 62 and 63, a pair of left and right engaging portions 185 having a closed cross section extending rearward is formed at the lower ends of the left and right front hinge pillar outer parts 6K of the front body portion BF. 185 is formed in a wedge shape that inclines downward to the rear, and an engaging groove 186 that can engage with the engaging portion 185 is formed in the inner lower portion near the front ends of the left and right side sills 20, and the outer surface of the engaging portion 185 or With the adhesive 186a applied to the inner surface of the engagement groove 186, the front body portion BF
Is assembled relative to the upper body shell BU from the front, and the engaging portion 185 is inserted into the engaging groove 186 to bond the two together and to fasten them together with the bolt 187. Reference numerals 6K, 6L, and 181 correspond to the front hinge pillar outer, the rear hinge pillar outer, and the engaging groove shown in FIG. 60, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 62 and 64, an engaging portion 188 having a U-shaped cross section is provided at the upper end portion of the hinge pillar so as to project forward and the engaging portion 188 is provided in the rear end portion of the apron reinforcement 8. The adhesive 189a on the outer surface of the engaging portion 188 or the outer surface of the left and right side wall members 189 of the cowl dash structure 10.
Is applied, the front body portion BF is assembled from the front relative to the upper body shell BU, and the engaging portion 188 is provided in the rear end portion of the apron reinforcement 8.
And the engaging portion 188 is adhesively joined to the side wall member 189, and the engaging portion 188 is attached to the side wall member 189 by the bolt 1.
Fasten at 90.

Next, the connecting structure of the underbody portion BD and the front body portion BF will be described. As shown in FIGS. 61 and 65, the receiving member 191 is provided on the vicinity of the rear end of the dash lower panel 5, and the dash lower panel 5 is provided.
A receiving portion 192 is formed at the rear end portion and the rear end portion of the receiving member 191, and an engaging groove 193 into which the front end portion 1p of the front floor 1A can be inserted is formed between the both receiving portions 192. The front end portion is extended forward of the front end portion of the floor panel 1A, the rear end portion 7a of the front side frame 7 is configured to be externally fitted to the front end portion of the front frame 172, and is attached to the engaging groove 193 with an adhesive. In a state where 193a is filled, the front body portion BF is assembled from the front relative to the underbody portion BD, the front end portion 1p of the front floor 1A is inserted into the engagement groove 193, and both are bonded and joined. The front end 172b of the front frame 172 is inserted into the rear end 7a of the front side frame 7, and the two are fastened with bolts. However, the receiving member 191 may be provided near the front end of the front floor 1A, and the rear end of the dash lower panel 5 may be inserted between the front end of the front floor 1A and the receiving member 191.

As shown in FIGS. 62 and 66, a front frame 172A having a substantially U-shaped cross section is provided on the front body portion BF side. An engaging recess 194 into which the front frame 172A is inserted is formed in a protruding shape upward, and
With the adhesive applied to the upper surfaces of the left and right flange portions 172a of 2A, the front body portion BF is assembled from the front relative to the underbody portion BD, and the engaging recess 194 is formed.
The front frame 172A is inserted into and the two are adhesively joined. As shown by the phantom line in FIG. 66, the engagement recess 1
94 is a receiving member 1 for receiving the flange portion 172a from below.
95 is provided, an engaging groove 196 into which the flange portion 172a can be inserted is formed between the receiving member 195 and the rear end surface of the engaging concave portion 194, and the front body portion BF is formed with the engaging groove 196 filled with an adhesive. The front frame 172A and the front floor 1A may be combined with each other by assembling from the front relative to the underbody portion BD.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the connecting structure in which the front body portion BF is configured to be moved relative to the upper body shell BU and the underbody portion BD from above to be joined will be described. 67 to 69
As shown in FIG. 5, a hinge pillar 6 having a closed cross-section including a hinge pillar 6P and a hinge pillar outer 6Q is provided on the upper body shell BU side.
A curved portion 201 that is bent inward is formed along the outer periphery of the rear portion of the wheel house at the front end of the extension portion 200.
The curved portion 201 and the front end surface of the hinge liner 6P form a housing portion 202 having an open cross-section with an upper opening, and a pair of left and right U-shaped sections that can be inserted into the housing portion 202 on the front body portion BF side. The engaging portion 203 is formed. However,
As shown in FIG. 70, a plate member 204 that closes the opening of the engagement portion 203 may be provided, and a closed cross-section structure may be provided on the front body portion BF side as well. An engagement groove 205 having an upper opening is formed over the substantially entire width in the vicinity of the front end of the front floor 1A, and the engagement groove 2 is formed at the rear end of the dash lower panel 5.
A flange portion 206 that can be inserted into 05 is formed so as to project downward, the front frame 172 extends forward of the front end portion of the front floor 1A, and the rear end portion of the front side frame 7 has a front end portion on the front frame 172. It is provided up to the rear end of the danscher lower panel 5 so that it can be externally fitted to the portion.

Explaining a connecting method for connecting the upper body shell BU, the underbody portion BD and the front body portion BF, as in the process diagram shown in FIG. 47, first, in a state where they are outfitted in advance, The underbody portion BD is assembled relative to the upper body shell BU from the front side to connect them, and then the front body portion BF is moved relative to the upper body shell BU and the underbody portion BD from above. Let them be assembled. In this case, with the adhesive applied to the inner surface of the accommodating portion 202 or the outer surface of the engaging portion 203, and with the engaging groove 205 filled with the adhesive, the front body portion BF is attached to the upper body shell BU. Assembling relatively from above, inserting the engaging portion 203 into the accommodating portion 202 and adhering them together, inserting the engaging flange portion 206 into the engaging groove 205 and adhering them together, the front side frame The rear end of 7 is the front frame 17
It is attached to the front end portion of 2 in a form of internal fitting and fastened with bolts.

As described above, the front body portion BF is moved relative to the upper body shell BU and the underbody portion BD from above so that the front body portion BF can be assembled.
2 through the engagement between the engagement portion 203 and the engagement groove 205 and through the engagement flange portion 206 with respect to the upper body shell BU and the underbody portion BD. The upper body shell B can be restrained and coupled so as not to move in the front-back direction.
The strength and rigidity of the coupling structure of the U, the underbody portion BD, and the front body portion BF are improved, and the body shell B having excellent strength and rigidity can be configured. Further, the connecting structure between the cowl / dash structure of the front body portion BF and the upper body shell BU does not become complicated.

71 and 72, the hinge pillar liner 6R is attached to the front body portion BF side, and the hinge pillar outer 6S is attached to the upper body shell BU side. The bolt 207 for fastening the hinge member 76 may be effectively used to connect the hinge pillar 6R and the hinge pillar outer 6S. Further, as shown in FIG. 73, the engagement portion 203A is formed in a tapered shape, and the extension portion 200 is formed.
Forming an inclined step portion 200a for guiding the engaging portion 203,
When assembling the front body portion BF to the upper body shell BU, the inclined step portion 200a may guide the engaging portion 203A to position the front body portion BF. In this case, the workability of positioning the front body portion BF and the upper body shell BU can be greatly improved.

In the above-described another embodiment, the case where the front body portion BF is moved relative to the upper body shell BU and the under body portion BD from above and assembled is explained.
And underbody part BD to front body part BF
It is also possible to move the lower body relatively from below and to assemble it. In this case, a cowl / dash structure cowl member is fixedly provided on the upper body shell BU to increase the rigidity of the front end portion of the upper body shell BU and to increase the upper body shell BU. There is an advantage that the accuracy of the width dimension of the front end portion of the body shell BU can be maintained high, and there is an advantage that the front body portion BF is assembled from below when the body shell B is configured to be wider toward the lower side. The method of assembling the automobile of the present application is
It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied not only to a four-door sedan vehicle but also to various vehicle assemblies having four doors or two doors or an open body type vehicle.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an assembly process diagram of an automobile.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an upper body shell, an under body portion, and a front body portion.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a main part of a side sill and front floor coupling structure.

FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of a coupling structure according to a modification.

FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of a coupling structure according to a modification.

FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of a coupling structure according to a modification.

FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of a coupling structure according to a modification.

FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of a coupling structure according to a modification.

9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of a coupling structure according to a modification.

FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of a coupling structure according to a modification.

FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of a coupling structure according to a modification.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of essential parts of a side sill and a front floor according to a modification.

FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of a coupling structure according to a modification.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a main part of a hinge pillar coupling structure.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a view corresponding to FIG. 15 of the coupling structure according to the modified example.

FIG. 17 is a view corresponding to FIG. 15 of the coupling structure according to the modification.

FIG. 18 is a view corresponding to FIG. 15 of the coupling structure according to the modification.

19 is a view corresponding to FIG. 15 of the coupling structure according to the modification.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the overall process of the vehicle body assembly line.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an assembly jig unit.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the assembly jig unit.

FIG. 23 is a plan view of an assembly jig unit.

FIG. 24 is a front view of the assembly jig unit.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory view of a main part process of the vehicle body assembly line of FIG. 20.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory view of a main part process of the vehicle body assembly line of FIG. 20.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the transfer device.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a door supply robot and a fastening device.

FIG. 29 is a front view of the lifting device.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory view of a main part process of a vehicle body assembly line according to a modification.

FIG. 31 is a drawing of the automobile painting process.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an underbody shell, a vehicle body member, and a coating jig unit.

33 is a perspective view of the coating jig unit of FIG. 32. FIG.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of relevant parts near a holding mechanism.

35 is a sectional view taken along the line 35-35 of FIG. 32.

FIG. 36 is a view corresponding to FIG. 33 of the assembly jig unit according to the modification.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram of the entire process of the vehicle assembly line.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a carrier vehicle device.

FIG. 39 is a view, corresponding to FIG. 38, of the carrier device according to the modification.

FIG. 40 is a process explanatory view of a fitting line for the underbody portion.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a main part of a fitting line for the front body part.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of an underbody portion and a front body portion in a joining process.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the upper body shell and the lower body shell in the coupling step.

FIG. 44 is a side view of a joining station joining the upper and lower body shells.

FIG. 45 is a front view of the joining station.

FIG. 46 is a side view of a joining station for assembling the lower unit.

FIG. 47 is an overall process explanatory view of a vehicle body assembly process according to a modification.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of an upper body shell and an underbody portion in a coupling process of a modified example.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of an upper body shell and a front body portion in a coupling process of a modified example.

50 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 of the upper body shell and the lower body shell of the modified example.

51 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 of the upper body shell and the lower body shell of the modified example.

FIG. 52 is an overall process explanatory view of the vehicle assembly process according to the modification.

FIG. 53 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of the coupling structure according to the modification.

54 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of the coupling structure according to the modification.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of an essential part of the connecting structure of the front floor and the third cross member.

56 is a sectional view taken along the line 56-56 of FIG. 55.

57 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 57-57 of FIG. 55.

FIG. 58 is a view corresponding to FIG. 57 of the coupling structure according to the modification.

FIG. 59 is a view corresponding to FIG. 57 of the coupling structure according to the modification.

FIG. 60 is a view corresponding to FIG. 15 of the coupling structure according to the modification.

FIG. 61 is an exploded perspective view of a joint structure of a front frame and a side sill.

FIG. 62 is an exploded perspective view of a joint structure of a front body part, an upper body shell and an underbody part.

63 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 63-63 of FIG. 62 in a combined state.

64 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 64-64 of FIG. 62 in a combined state.

FIG. 65 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a combined structure of a front floor and a dash lower panel.

FIG. 66 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a combined structure of a front floor and a front frame.

FIG. 67 is a view corresponding to FIG. 62 of the coupling structure according to the modification.

68 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 68-68 in FIG. 67.

FIG. 69 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the combined structure of the front floor and the dash lower panel.

FIG. 70 is a view corresponding to FIG. 68 of the coupling structure according to the modification.

71 is a view corresponding to FIG. 67 of the coupling structure according to the modification.

72 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 72-72 of FIG. 71.

FIG. 73 is a view corresponding to FIG. 67 of the coupling structure according to the modification.

[Explanation of symbols]

B Body Shell BU Upper Body Shell BL Lower Body Shell BD Underbody Part BF Front Body Part 1, 1A, 1B Front Floor 11 Body Side Panel 13 Roof Panel 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Side Sill 20D, 20E, 20F, 20G, 20H・ 20I
Side sills 31b, 31d, 31f, 35A, receiving parts 35F, 35H, 35I, 35J, 35K receiving parts

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Toshiaki Kazuki             3-1, Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture Mazda             Within the corporation (72) Inventor Tetsuya Murakami             3-1, Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture Mazda             Within the corporation

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A body shell of an automobile, an upper body shell including a roof member, left and right body side panels, and left and right side sills, an underbody portion including at least a front floor, and a front separate or integral with the underbody portion. A method for assembling an automobile, in which a body part and a lower body shell are separately assembled and then the two body shells are joined together, wherein left and right side sills of the upper body shell receive the left and right ends of the front floor from below. Parts are respectively formed, and the upper body shell and the lower body shell are respectively supplied to an outfitting line dedicated to the vehicle assembly process to be outfitted, and then the front body part and a separate body or an integrated underbody part are attached to the upper body shell. Move to the front and rear of the car body relative to the body shell The left and right ends of the front floor are engaged with the receiving parts of the left and right side sills, respectively, and the left and right ends of the front floor are respectively coupled to the left and right side sills via the receiving parts. 2. The lower body shell, which comprises the underbody portion and a front body portion integrated with the underbody portion, is equipped with the lower body shell, and then the lower body shell is joined to the upper body shell. Car assembly method. 3. The underbody part and a front body part separate from the underbody part are respectively fitted, and then the two body parts are connected to each other, and then the both body parts are connected to the upper body shell. The method for assembling an automobile according to claim 1. 4. The underbody part and the front body part separate from the underbody part are respectively fitted, and then the underbody part is joined to the upper body shell, and then the front body part is joined to the upper body shell and the underbody part. The method for assembling an automobile according to claim 1, wherein the method is as follows. 5. The method of assembling an automobile according to claim 1, wherein one of the upper body shell, the underbody portion, and the front body portion that has the largest outfitting work load is supplied to the main outfitting line. . 6. The method for assembling an automobile according to claim 1, wherein both left and right end portions of the front floor are bonded to at least left and right receiving portions, respectively. 7. A vehicle body shell lower including an upper body shell including a roof member and left and right body side panels, an underbody portion including at least a front floor, and a front body portion separate or integral with the underbody portion. A method of assembling an automobile, in which a body shell and a lower body shell are separately assembled and then the upper body shell and the lower body shell are coupled to each other, the receiving portions for receiving the left and right end portions of the underbody portion are respectively provided at the left and right lower end portions of the upper body shell. The upper body shell and the lower body shell are respectively supplied to an outfitting line dedicated to the vehicle assembly process to be outfitted, and the underbody portion which is separate from or integrated with the front body portion is attached to the upper body shell. Relative to the front-back direction of the vehicle body An end portion of each of the left and right ends of the upper body shell is engaged with and supported by the receiving portion, and left and right end portions of the underbody portion are respectively coupled to left and right lower end portions of the upper body shell. Assembly method. 8. The method for assembling an automobile according to claim 4, wherein the front body portion is moved relative to the upper body shell and the underbody portion in a rearward and rearward direction of the vehicle body to be joined. . 9. The method for assembling an automobile according to claim 4, wherein the front body portion is coupled by moving the front body portion in the vehicle body vertical direction relative to the upper body shell and the underbody portion. 10. The method of assembling an automobile according to claim 9, wherein the front body part is moved downward in the vehicle body vertical direction relative to the upper body shell and the underbody part so as to be coupled thereto. .