Method and device for controlling and evaluating plug connection quality

Abstract

In a method for controlling and evaluating the quality of a plug connection of a plug connector, a first signal (SA) is acquired continuously by a first signal acquisition device (12) and at least one second signal (SB, SQ) is acquired continuously by at least one second signal acquisition device (17, 114, 115) and recorded in at least one recording device (14), according to the invention, at least one trigger signal (ST) triggers the opening of the measurement window (20), and whether at least two characteristic signals (SK, SBC, SQC) characterizing a normal plugging process are present in the measurement window (20) is checked by means of at least one evaluation unit (15), the at least one trigger signal (ST) being located temporally before, within or after the measurement window (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling and evaluating the mating connection quality of a mating connector, wherein a first signal is acquired and evaluated, and an apparatus for implementing the method. Background Technology

[0002] Methods for controlling and evaluating the mating connection quality of plug connectors are known in the prior art, where the plug connector emits a characteristic acoustic click signal during mating. In these connectors, the plug component and coupling component, or portions thereof, of the plug connector lock together during mating, emitting an acoustic or audible signal, manifested as a click sound, during this locking process. Assembly of such plug connectors is typically performed manually. Generally, it is not possible to directly identify whether the mating connection is completely and correctly completed, i.e., whether a complete, safe, and correct locking has occurred. Therefore, it is impossible to immediately identify whether the assembly is completely and correctly performed during the plug connector assembly process, thus failing to ensure the safety of the mating connection. Assembly force is largely influenced by the operator, depending on the operator's hand, hand posture, movement process, and potential jamming of the components to be assembled. Incorrect mating connections are typically detected at the end of the production line at the latest. However, if the mating connection of such plug connectors is not performed correctly, complex and costly rework is required to resolve the problem of incorrect mating.

[0003] For example, a control system and a method for controlling the assembly of a coupling device are known from WO 2013 / 131632 A1, the coupling device including at least one mating connector, wherein a movable sensor device is arranged in the direct vicinity of a signal source of the mating connector. The signal is an electronic signal and / or an acoustic signal. The signal emitted during the mating process is captured and evaluated. When an acoustic signal, i.e., a characteristic sound of the mating process, such as a characteristic sound of the mating connector retaining element engaging or clicking, is emitted as a signal, this signal is acquired during the mating process and evaluated in an evaluation unit. The acquired signal or sound can be separated from interference signals, particularly interference noise, and thereby verified whether a proper engagement has been achieved, i.e., whether a secure mating connection can be established. The movable sensor device is configured to acquire solid-borne sound and / or airborne acoustic signals. To acquire solid-borne sound, the movable sensor device establishes vibratory contact with the coupling device and / or at least one locking cam on it. The mobile sensor device is disposed on or integrated into a carrier material, wherein the carrier material is disclosed as, for example, assembling gloves and / or clothing and / or devices that can be worn on the body by a person, such as belts, watches, or bracelets, in which the mobile sensor device may be integrated or has been integrated. Data collected by the mobile sensor device is evaluated in distributed evaluation units located nearby and / or in a centralized evaluation unit. Transmission of the collected data is achieved via WLAN, Bluetooth, cable, one or more USB interfaces, or wirelessly.

[0004] A device and method for monitoring the assembly of two components via snap-fit ​​fasteners for connecting the components are known from WO 2016 / 070984 A1, comprising a sensor for detecting assembly force and a sound receiver. During the assembly of the two components, the force applied to at least one of the two components and the sound generated during the assembly process are measured by the device for connecting the two components. The changes in the measured force and / or the changes in the measured sound over time are recorded. The changes in the force and / or the sound over time are evaluated, and a signal indicating the quality of the snap-fit ​​assembly is generated when the changes in the force and / or the sound over time meet predetermined criteria. Furthermore, the acceleration of the fingers and / or hands of the operator performing the assembly is measured during the assembly of the two components. Using assembly force as the basis for the signal has limited applicability because it depends on the operator performing the assembly, where, for example, misalignment of the two components during the insertion process has a significant impact on the assembly force. Moreover, assembly force is difficult to detect and requires complex measurement sensor technology. The method is therefore prone to error. The ability to distinguish between normal and abnormal insertion connections is also difficult to determine using force sensors. Acoustic sensors are susceptible to interference from background noise at a distance, such as the noise levels in an assembly line. While using acoustic sensors in conjunction with motion sensors to distinguish between normal and abnormal connections improves reliability and resolution, it requires rapid processing of the acquired data, which leads to relatively high costs in terms of the high performance requirements and structural dimensions of electronic components.

[0005] A system for ensuring connector mating is known from WO 2015 / 053936 A1, wherein a microphone is positioned near the electrical connector assembly area and configured to capture audible sound during connector assembly. An output unit is also provided, connected to the microphone and receiving audio signals from it. The output unit processes the audio signals to ensure the mating connection. The output unit enhances the audio signal by filtering background noise. Due to the use of an acoustic sensor, this system is suitable for applications requiring low to medium resolution and / or environments where interference noise has minimal impact on measurement results. During evaluation, there are limitations in the resolution between normal and abnormal mating connections.

[0006] WO 2017 / 062124 A1 also discloses a system for ensuring the engagement of a connector. This system includes a sensor unit worn by a user, located near or on the operator's hand. The sensor unit includes an acoustic sensor positioned near the engagement area of ​​the electrical connector. Once the electrical connector is engaged, the acoustic sensor detects acoustic noise. Furthermore, the system includes a controller worn by the user, connected to the acoustic sensor. The controller receives and processes audio signals from the acoustic sensor to determine the engagement state of the connector. The controller provides feedback to the operator regarding the engagement state of the connector. Due to the use of an acoustic sensor, this system is also suitable for applications where low to medium resolution is sufficient, and / or environments where only a small amount of interfering noise affects the measurement results. In such cases, the ability to distinguish between correct and incorrect mating connections during the evaluation process is also limited.

[0007] Another system for ensuring the mating connection of connectors is known from WO 2017 / 062122 A1. This system includes an acoustic sensor positioned near the mating area of ​​the electrical connector, configured to detect audible sound once the connector is engaged. Additionally, a connector identification sensor is positioned near the connector, designed to recognize the presence of the connector. Furthermore, the system includes a controller connected to both the acoustic and connector identification sensors, receiving connector identification signals from the sensor and acoustic signals from the acoustic sensor. The controller processes the connector identification and acoustic signals for secure detection of the mating connection. However, the connector identification sensor does not perform evaluation of the mating connection, i.e., it is limited in its ability to distinguish between correct and incorrect mating connections.

[0008] Furthermore, a system and method for detecting the manual connection lock state of a lockable quick connector are known from FR 3 024 522 B1. In this method, a carrier is fixed to the operator, wherein at least one acoustic sensor is provided for measuring acoustic signals emitted by the connection. The measured acoustic signals are acquired. The acquired acoustic signals are filtered and compared with an acoustic reference signal representing the connector lock state, and the result of this comparison is obtained. A message is sent to the operator informing them whether the lock state has been achieved. Furthermore, the method includes capturing the movement of the operator's first hand to measure the movement of that first hand representing an attempt to connect the connector. Motion capture is used to trigger the initiation of acoustic signal measurement and recording. Additionally, auxiliary recording of the first hand movement measured during motion recording is provided, as well as auxiliary filtering of the recorded first hand movement, followed by an auxiliary comparison of the recorded and filtered first hand movement with a reference movement representing a connection attempt. Recording is triggered once the movement of the user's first hand is detected. Acoustic signals are recorded over a period of time, and filters and comparison devices process the signals within a time interval, which lasts from a fraction of a second before trigger state t0 to a fraction of a second after it. Therefore, a sequential two-stage inspection is performed, where the evaluation of the connection quality, i.e., determining whether it is correct or incorrect, is only performed in the second step by the acoustic sensor alone. Motion signals in the first stage only trigger the recording of the acoustic signals.

[0009] Existing methods for controlling and evaluating the quality of mating connections evaluate signals recorded during the clicking sound process via one or more sensor channels, specifically airborne and structure-borne acoustic signals. The acoustic signals are continuously recorded and analyzed, and the identification of the clicking signal is performed through continuous analysis of the recorded signals, where the characteristics of the recorded acoustic signals are examined to identify characteristic clicking signals. When a preset limit is exceeded, such as a specific sound pressure level within a specific frequency range, the signal characteristic is classified as a clicking signal, and the mating connection is categorized as "normal." However, these existing methods and measuring or control devices are therefore prone to error because the possibility that other noises or events (such as a control device impacting a component or a tool falling) might produce similar or even identical signal characteristics in the recorded acoustic signals cannot be ruled out. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for controlling and evaluating the connection quality of a plug connector, wherein a first signal is acquired and evaluated, and an apparatus for implementing the method is provided, by which the method or apparatus can significantly reduce error sensitivity compared with the prior art.

[0011] The technical problem of the method described in the preamble of claim 1 is solved by the following means: a first signal is continuously acquired by a first signal acquisition device, at least one second signal is continuously acquired by at least one second signal acquisition device and recorded in at least one recording device, at least one trigger signal triggers the opening of a measurement window, and at least one evaluation unit checks whether at least two signals characterizing a normal insertion process exist within the measurement window, wherein at least one trigger signal is located before, within, or after the measurement window in time. For an apparatus for implementing the method, the technical problem is solved by the following means: the apparatus includes at least one first signal acquisition device for acquiring the first signal, at least one second signal acquisition device for acquiring at least one second signal, at least one recording device for recording the acquired signals, at least one trigger signal acquisition device for acquiring at least one trigger signal, at least one device for opening the measurement window when at least one trigger signal is present, and at least one evaluation unit for evaluating whether at least two signals characterizing a normal insertion process exist within the measurement window. Further improvements of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0012] This provides a method and apparatus for controlling and evaluating the mating connection quality of a mating connector, wherein the quality is evaluated using multiple signals or sensor signals or signals acquired by at least one corresponding signal acquisition device. The signals used as the basis for evaluation may include acoustic signals (which may be acquired or have been acquired by at least one acoustic signal acquisition device) and at least one other signal. Therefore, at least one of the signals to be acquired or acquired may be an acoustic signal, and / or at least one of the signals to be acquired or acquired may be a velocity signal, an acceleration signal, a motion signal, a position signal, or an attitude signal. The signal acquisition device for acquiring acceleration signals is capable of acquiring the signals at a high sampling rate, for example, a sampling rate ranging from 43 kHz to 46 kHz, particularly a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz. Therefore, the signals to be acquired or acquired may include acceleration signals, which are acquired by a corresponding signal acquisition device for acquiring acceleration, such as an accelerometer. Such devices operate at high sampling rates. High-frequency components of the signal attenuate rapidly along the propagation path, while low-frequency signals can propagate over longer distances. In high-frequency signal detection, the signal source is more likely to be in the vicinity of the signal acquisition device. By collecting at least two signals, higher reliability can be achieved in assessing and evaluating the quality of plug-in connections compared to the aforementioned existing technical solutions.

[0013] Sensor channels or signal acquisition devices used for acquiring signals, such as accelerometers, operate at relatively high sampling rates, generating a massive amount of data from which signals characterizing a normal mating process must be determined. According to the present invention, by setting a measurement window opened by at least one trigger signal, the amount of data used as the basis for evaluating the quality of the mating connection is limited. By defining a measurement window and opening it when at least one trigger signal occurs, fault sensitivity relative to the prior art can be significantly reduced, since signals characterizing a correct mating process are expected only within a short measurement window or covering a short time span. Accordingly, the probability of other events generating signal characteristics similar to the characteristic signal falling into the same time window or measurement window is extremely low. To minimize the time setting of the measurement window, other signals and information during the mating connector assembly process are utilized, which coincide very closely with the expected characteristic signal in time. These signals and information may appear before, simultaneously with, or after the characteristic signal in time. Accordingly, these information and signals are used as at least one trigger signal to open the measurement window, wherein at least one trigger signal may be located before, within, or after the measurement window in time. Because at least two signals are continuously acquired via at least one signal acquisition device, a measurement window can be retrospectively opened when at least one predetermined trigger signal occurs, ensuring that the measurement window is time-preceding the occurrence of the at least one trigger signal. Since the expected signal characterizing a normal mating process is anticipated within the measurement window, and its presence is checked by at least one evaluation unit, the quality of the mating connection (i.e., high or low) of the connector can be evaluated without problems. The smaller and more precise the measurement window set around the moment the characteristic signal occurs, the higher the quality of the mating connection inspection and the lower the error sensitivity of such evaluation.

[0014] Unlike FR 3 024 522 B1, according to the present invention, the assessment of the presence of a normal plug connection is based on at least two signals. To acquire these signals, at least two channels of an acquisition device, such as at least two sensor channels of a sensor, or at least two acquisition devices, such as sensors, are used. These can provide at least one trigger signal for opening a measurement window. This allows the duration or time span of the measurement window to be within milliseconds. Unlike the present invention, WO 2016 / 070984 A1 does not disclose a measurement window for defining the amount of data to be processed, nor does it disclose a trigger signal.

[0015] At least one trigger signal may be a position signal of the operator's hand position performing the mating process. The operator's hand position during the mating process can be advantageously used as information from the assembly mating process to define a measurement window. The appearance of a characteristic signal can also be expected when the operator's corresponding hand or both hands are near the corresponding assembly position where the mating process should be performed. Therefore, the measurement window constructed around the expected characteristic signal can be precisely limited to a time range within which the operator's corresponding hand is in the expected spatial position relative to the mating connector. The position signal can be determined, for example, by geofencing technology. Furthermore, the position signal can be captured by at least one optical device (such as a camera), and / or by a gyroscope device and / or by a radio-based tracking device.

[0016] Furthermore, at least one trigger signal can be a preset sequence of hand movements of the operator performing the mating process. This further improves the accuracy of the measurement window determination because it can identify not only the hand position but also the characteristic hand movements belonging to specific process steps of the corresponding mating or assembly process and / or mating process. This sequence of movements serves as the trigger signal for opening the measurement window. In particular, a specific sequence of movements, primarily the sequence of movements of one or both hands of the operator, can be preset, given in the form of assembly or mating instructions, thereby enabling better and safer identification of the corresponding trigger signal presented in the form of this sequence of movements.

[0017] In addition, at least one trigger signal can be a confirmation signal or a confirmation gesture signal indicating the completion of the insertion process. Such a confirmation gesture signal indicates that the insertion process has been completed. Accordingly, characteristic signals within the time period preceding the appearance of the confirmation gesture signal can be searched in the recorded data, and the correctness of the insertion process can be confirmed if these signals are present. In principle, a confirmation signal can also be sent as a trigger signal after the insertion process has ended, replacing the confirmation gesture signal, for example, by an operator pressing a corresponding confirmation button. With such a trigger signal, as with the confirmation gesture signal, the measurement window can be opened to a past time period of the recorded data, and the characteristic signals confirming a normal insertion process can be searched in the recorded data. If these signals are present, the normal progress of the insertion process can be confirmed.

[0018] A further advantage is that at least one trigger signal can be a motion direction signal indicating the direction of movement of the operator's hand during the mating process. In this process, instead of querying the actual position of the operator's hand and using it as a trigger signal to open the measurement window, the direction of movement of the hand used to perform the mating process is monitored. During the mating of the connector, at least for a short period before the corresponding locking element actually engages with the locking groove of the connector, essentially only longitudinal movement, i.e., movement along the x-direction, is performed. This movement can also serve as a trigger signal to trigger the opening of the measurement window.

[0019] Furthermore, operator hand movements can be queried or tracked continuously or at preset time intervals. Such tracking can be achieved using at least one optical device (such as a camera) and / or at least one gyroscope and / or at least one radio-based tracking device. Accordingly, for example, when a plugging process is expected to occur every 20 to 30 seconds, operator hand movements can be monitored within this time interval or time tick. When a corresponding hand position signal is output within the time interval, which serves as a tracking signal for opening the measurement window, the measurement window will open accordingly. Similarly, the opening of the measurement window can be triggered by the tracking signal when a corresponding sequence of operator hand movements is detected. Although signals are continuously recorded—i.e., a first signal and at least one other or second signal—the recorded data is evaluated only after the measurement window is opened, thus reducing the energy consumption of the mobile signal acquisition device, particularly for acquiring the corresponding trigger signal. This energy consumption is primarily generated during the evaluation process. Therefore, it is entirely feasible to power the mobile signal acquisition device with a battery integrated within the signal acquisition device. With these batteries, continuous operation for several hours is possible without charging or battery replacement.

[0020] Particularly preferably, at least one trigger signal is generated by the connector component to be connected itself. This allows for a narrow measurement window. The connection state of the connector components, where they are connected and about to lock directly, can serve as the trigger signal for opening the measurement window. For example, the trigger signal can be a signal emitted by the connector components before they come into contact with each other or before locking, particularly a characteristic acceleration signal and / or motion profile signal. The measurement window opened when a trigger signal is present can be defined by detecting a signal emitted by the connector component to be connected during the mating process shortly before locking, i.e., shortly before the characteristic signal appears. The connection between the two mating parts of the connector, which comes into contact with each other and is connected, for example, by pushing the mating parts into each other, i.e., the connection between the plug component and the coupling component, can be identified by characteristic acceleration signals acquired by an accelerometer. The same principle applies to characteristic motion profile signals. Typically, these characteristic acceleration signals or motion profile signals appear before the two mating parts of the connector (i.e., the plug component and the coupling component) lock, and correspondingly, before the signals characterizing the normal mating process. However, after the two mating parts are locked, a specific motion profile signal may also become a characteristic signal indicating the completion of the mating process. Therefore, this signal can also be used as a trigger signal to open a measurement window facing past time. At least one signal for closing the measurement window can also be output. Therefore, such characteristic motion profile signals can be used to end the measurement window, i.e., close it. For example, the measurement window can be opened by a first trigger signal and closed by a second trigger signal. Similarly, a fixed time span can be preset for the length or duration of the measurement window, giving the measurement window a predetermined time length. The signal used to close the measurement window, if the measurement window does not have a predetermined time length, can be a time-based or event-based signal. Therefore, the second trigger signal can be a specific presettable result or a presettable time or time span. The time length of the measurement window can be, for example, 10 to 50 milliseconds, particularly 12 to 50 milliseconds. For example, the measurement window has a time length of 15 milliseconds. In contrast, the measurement window in FR 3 024 522 B1 is within the range of one second or one-tenth of a second. Therefore, FR 3 024 522 B1 is significantly less effective in assessing the presence of a normal mating process and is insufficient for demanding applications.

[0021] When controlling a mating connector having at least one dual locking stage, the acoustic and / or vibration signal triggered by locking of the first locking stage can serve as a trigger signal for opening the measurement window. Such mating connectors with dual locking stages are known, for example, in DE 10 2013 205447 A1. Specifically for these connectors, the first locking stage is suitable for triggering a trigger signal to open the measurement window. During further mating, locking of the second locking stage is also expected. The monitored characteristic signal is thus located within the measurement window. Therefore, for mating connectors having at least two locking stages, this construction can be utilized as a trigger signal for opening the measurement window.

[0022] When controlling a mating connector having at least one mating barrier that needs to be overcome by force or at least one area with increased roughness, the acoustic and / or vibration signals generated by overcoming the mating barrier or the area with increased roughness, and / or the force signal required to overcome the mating barrier, can serve as trigger signals to open the measurement window. For example, a mating barrier may be provided that initially prevents the mating process, and must be overcome when the two mating parts, i.e., the plug component and the coupling component, are mated together, wherein overcoming the mating barrier can be achieved under defined force conditions. Accordingly, such a force signal can serve as a trigger signal to open the measurement window. When overcoming such a mating barrier, or in the case of at least one area with increased roughness, when this area is overcome during the mating process by the mutual pushing of the plug component and the coupling component, i.e., when the two mating parts of the mating connector push against each other, an acoustic signal in the form of noise and a vibration are generated on the one hand, and these signals can be used as trigger signals. Signals characterizing a normal mating process are generated only when the two mating parts actually engage, specifically when the plug and coupling components of the connector engage. These signals are then located within the measurement window.

[0023] A further advantage is that at least one third signal, particularly a third and a fourth signal, can be acquired and recorded in at least one recording device for evaluation by at least one evaluation unit. Specifically, the first and second signal acquisition devices can be positioned on the operator's thumb, and the third signal acquisition device and possibly a similarly positioned fourth signal acquisition device can be positioned on the operator's wrist. For example, acceleration signals can be acquired via the first signal acquisition device (e.g., an accelerometer), acoustic signals via the second signal acquisition device (e.g., an acoustic sensor or microphone), position signals or attitude signals or attitude change signals via the third signal acquisition device (e.g., a gyroscope), and acoustic signals via the fourth signal acquisition device (e.g., an acoustic sensor or microphone).

[0024] This method can be used for quality control of plug-in connections in product manufacturing and assembly, such as in the automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, and medical technology industries. It is also applicable to the maintenance of equipment, machines, and vehicles, as well as medical services. In the medical technology field, this method can be applied, for example, during dialysis to detect whether connectors or plugs are correctly inserted.

[0025] By setting a strictly defined measurement window triggered by at least one trigger signal, which either has a preset time length or is closed again by a second trigger signal, the fault sensitivity of methods and apparatuses for controlling and evaluating the quality of mating connections can be significantly reduced compared to prior art. Due to the limitation of the measurement window, the computational power required for evaluation—that is, the computational power required to analyze the acquired signals to assess the presence of signals characterizing a normal mating process—can also be significantly reduced compared to prior art solutions, because the workload of analysis within such a short, time-limited measurement window is lower than the workload of analysis that must be performed continuously throughout the entire control period. The battery life of mobile or portable acquisition devices, used for both signal acquisition and trigger signal acquisition, can be significantly improved compared to prior art solutions, because the computationally intensive analysis of the signal characteristics of various acquired signals to determine the presence of signals characterizing a normal mating process within the measurement window is performed only for a short period of time. This invention differs from, for example, FR 3024 522 B1 in that a signal acquisition device comprising at least one multi-acquisition channel or a signal acquisition device for acquiring various signals is used to acquire both at least one trigger signal and signals for assessing the presence of signals characterizing a normal mating process.

[0026] The source of the acquired signal can be located, for example, through a propagation time difference existing between at least two acquisition devices used to acquire a first signal and at least one second signal. For this purpose, these devices can be arranged relative to each other at a predetermined fixed spatial distance. This allows the sought signal to be separated from interfering signals (such as background noise). In principle, filtering the acquired signal using a high-pass filter and / or a low-pass filter is also feasible.

[0027] When at least one trigger signal falls within the timeframe of the characteristic signal due to its properties, dual verification can be further achieved. This allows for a clear judgment of the quality of the mating connection even in boundary conditions where interference signals might otherwise make signal-based evaluation difficult. The quality of the mating connection represents the judgment of whether the mating connection is correct. This result can be indicated to the operator optically and / or acoustically and / or tactilely within or away from the device area. In the simplest case, a correct mating connection can be confirmed by one or more green indicator lights, while an incorrect mating connection is indicated by a red indicator light. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To further illustrate the present invention, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an assembly workbench with five working steps, including an operator and plug-in connectors to be connected.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a signal-time diagram used to illustrate the trigger signal that initiates the measurement window according to the invention and the characteristic signals within the measurement window.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a signal-time diagram used to illustrate a measurement window according to the invention initiated by a trigger signal, wherein the characteristic signal appears only after a time span Δt has elapsed.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a signal-time diagram used to show the trigger signal according to the invention that appears after the feature signal, such that the measurement window is opened for the area of ​​the recorded signal before the trigger signal, i.e., opened in the past.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a signal-time diagram, wherein the trigger signal according to the invention occurs during the occurrence of the characteristic signal, such that the measurement window covers the time period before and after the occurrence of the trigger signal, and dual verification can be performed.

[0033] Figure 6a This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of an operator's hand entering a target area, serving as a trigger signal according to the invention for opening the measurement window according to the invention. The operator's hand is monitored or tracked by optical and / or electromagnetic and / or GPS-based positioning systems or position signal acquisition devices, illustrated here by two cameras and markings placed on the hand.

[0034] Figure 6bThis is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of an operator's hand leaving the target area, serving as a trigger signal according to the invention for closing the measurement window according to the invention. The operator's hand is monitored or tracked by optical and / or electromagnetic and / or GPS-based positioning systems or position signal acquisition devices, illustrated here by two cameras and markings placed on the hand.

[0035] Figure 7 An acceleration-time diagram is used to show the acceleration profile of the operator's hand in the x, y, and z directions, i.e., all three spatial directions, as a trigger signal according to the invention for opening the measurement window according to the invention.

[0036] Figure 8 Another acceleration-time plot is provided to show the characteristic acceleration profile of the operator's hand during the mating process, wherein the acceleration profile is used as a trigger signal according to the invention to trigger the opening of the measurement window according to the invention, and the relevant acceleration occurs only in the x-direction, i.e., the longitudinal direction of the mating connector, when the mating connector is engaged.

[0037] Figure 9 An angle-time graph of 25 measurements of the movement sequence of the operator's right hand before and during the insertion process of the connector, wherein a portion of the movement sequence is used as a trigger signal according to the invention to open the measurement window according to the invention.

[0038] Figure 10 A graph is shown illustrating the acoustic signal, thumb acceleration signal, and position / motion signal recorded over time, with three trigger signals according to the invention shown for opening the measurement window according to the invention and for the characteristic acoustic click signal, thumb acceleration signal, and position / motion signal to appear within the measurement window.

[0039] Figure 11a The schematic diagram shows a plug connector having first and second locking stages, wherein the locking protrusion locks in the first locking stage / locking opening, serving as a trigger signal according to the invention for opening the measurement window according to the invention.

[0040] Figure 11b According to Figure 11a The schematic diagram of the plug connector shows that the locking protrusion locks in the second locking stage / locking opening, at which point the signal sought to characterize the normal plugging process appears.

[0041] Figure 12a This is a flowchart for plug-in connection control and quality assessment in the prior art.

[0042] Figure 12bThe flowchart of the process or method for controlling and evaluating the mating connection quality of a mating connector according to the present invention is provided, wherein the mating connector emits a signal characterizing a normal mating process during mating.

[0043] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the operator's hands, who is performing a mating process, wherein one of the operator's hands is equipped with a movable device according to the invention for controlling and evaluating the mating connection quality of the connector. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1 An example assembly workflow for mating connector 100, comprising a plug component 101 and a coupling component 102, on assembly workbench 103 is shown. The entire process is divided into five steps I to V. An operator 110 or other worker is positioned at the assembly workbench to perform assembly operations, namely, engaging the mating connector 100 or its plug component 101 and coupling component 102. Figure 1 In the first step I of the illustrated example, assembly 105, including plug component 101 and coupling component 102, is transferred to assembly workbench 103, where operator 110 is located. This is achieved through... Figure 1 The arrow P1 is used for illustration. In addition to lateral movement along the direction of arrow P1, the assembly workbench 103 can also move from the front, from above, or any other direction to the operator 110, or the operator 110 can move to a corresponding fixed assembly workbench 103, such as a fixed manual assembly station, where the operator 110 or operator sits and distributes components 105 using a so-called cyclic material handling method. In the above and Figure 1 In alternatives to the example shown, the movements of operator 110 and assembly table 103 in steps II and V below are also different or adjusted accordingly.

[0045] exist Figure 1 In the second step II exemplarily illustrated, operator 110 approaches assembly workbench 103, and further approaches assembly 105 having plug component 101 and coupling component 102. This in Figure 1 The arrow P2 represents this.

[0046] In step III, operator 110 grasps plug component 101 with their right hand 112 and coupling component 102 with their left hand 111. In principle, operator 110 may also grasp plug component 101 or coupling component 102 using only one of their hands 111 or 112. The movement of at least one of operator 110's hands 111 or 112 is acquired by signal acquisition device 17. The characteristic movement of at least one hand 111 or 112 towards plug component 101 or coupling component 102 is used as a trigger signal to open measurement window 20 (see...). Figures 2 to 5 A signal acquisition device 10 is provided to collect trigger signals of characteristic movement patterns of at least one of the hands 111 and 112 of the operator 110; a device 11 is provided to open the measurement window based on the presence of the trigger signal.

[0047] In step IV, operator 110 assembles plug component 101 and coupling component 102 into plug connector 100. When plug component 101 and coupling component 102 engage, a characteristic acoustic click signal is generated. Figure 1 The signal is represented by a lightning bolt arrow P3. This signal is identified by a signal acquisition device 12 used to acquire various signals, including acoustic signals. This characteristic acoustic click signal is located within the open measurement window.

[0048] exist Figure 1 In the fifth and final step V shown, in this example, the assembled component, along with the assembled connector 100, leaves the assembly workbench 103, and the operator 110 leaves the assembly workbench 103. The above two situations are respectively... Figure 1 Arrows P4 and P5 are used to indicate this. In another flow of movement of the operator 110 and the assembly table 103, as described in step I above, the movement of the operator 110 or the assembly table 103 in step five may also be correspondingly different. Figure 1 The two events, namely, operator 110 leaving assembly workbench 103 (arrow P5) and removing the assembled component with the assembled connector 100 (arrow P4), both result in the output of a second trigger signal, which is captured by another signal acquisition device 13 for capturing the corresponding trigger signal. The measurement window is closed after the occurrence of the second trigger signal. A single signal acquisition device or sensor with a corresponding number of acquisition channels or sensor channels can be used instead of multiple acquisition devices 10, 12, 13, 17 or sensors.

[0049] The recording device 14 can record acoustic signals and motion signals acquired by the signal acquisition device 12, such that among these recorded signals, characteristic acoustic click signals and motion signals characterizing the normal insertion process are also recorded. The evaluation unit 15 can evaluate whether characteristic acoustic click signals and characteristic motion signals exist in the measurement window. When the operator 110 correctly connects the plug component 101 and the coupling component 102, a characteristic acoustic click signal appears in the measurement window (in...). Figure 1 The evaluation unit 15 determines that the connection is correct by using both the lightning arrow P3 and a characteristic motion signal. Therefore, when both signals are present, the evaluation unit 15 can indicate that the connection is correct and display this information to the operator 110 via the display device 16. The display device can be an optical and / or acoustic display device, such as green and red optical indicators, to indicate a correct and complete connection (green light) or an incorrect connection (red light). Furthermore, the display can be made on a screen in the assembly line or at the production station where the connection operation is performed, or on a tablet computer panel and / or in an external location, such as at the operator of the mobile device 1.

[0050] All devices 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, and possibly 14, 15, and 16, can be arranged in a mobile device, which can be worn, for example, by an operator 110 on their arm, wrist, or hand (such as their thumb). This is in Figure 13 The figure illustrates a mobile device 1 for monitoring and evaluating the assembly quality of a mating connector 100, which is positioned on the operator's hands 111, 112 during the mating process of the connector 100. The mating connector 100 includes a plug component 101 and a coupling component 102, wherein the operator holds a portion of the plug component 101 in his right hand 112 and another portion in his left hand 111, and holds the coupling component 102 in his left hand 111.

[0051] The mobile device 1 includes a thumb or finger unit 2 and a wrist unit 3. Both are located on the right hand 112 of the operator. The thumb or finger unit 2 is provided with a connecting device 4 for securing the thumb or finger unit 2 to the thumb 120 of the operator's right hand 112. For this purpose, the connecting device 4 is exemplary in this embodiment formed as a ring or clip, and can be clamped onto the operator's thumb 120 as a clip. The wrist unit 3 is also provided with a connecting device 5. This connecting device 5 is exemplary in this embodiment formed as an armband, so that it can be worn on the wrist 121 of the operator's right hand 112.

[0052] exist Figure 13In the middle, the thumb or finger unit 2 is positioned on the thumb 120, specifically between the two thumb joints 122 and 123 of the thumb 120. However, this unit may also be positioned proximally, specifically in the region of the second thumb joint 123 of the thumb 120 closer to the wrist 121, or possibly in the region of the metacarpal bone 124 of the thumb 120, while ensuring that the mobility of the thumb 120 is maintained. Figure 13 In the diagram, other possible proximal positions of the thumb or finger unit 2 are shown by dashed lines. Furthermore, the thumb or finger unit 2 may also be located on the operator's right hand 112, particularly the index finger 125, for example, in a middle position, a proximal position, or a distal position.

[0053] Both the thumb or finger unit 2 and the wrist unit 3 contain sensors, as described above. Figure 1 The acquisition device mentioned above is used to acquire at least two signals, which can serve as a basis for evaluating the connection quality of the connector 100, and at least one trigger signal is also acquired therein. The acquisition device or sensor may be an accelerometer for acquiring acceleration signals, at least one acoustic sensor or at least one microphone for acquiring acoustic signals, and at least one gyroscope acquisition device for acquiring position and motion signals. The thumb or finger unit 2 includes an accelerometer and an acoustic sensor or microphone. The wrist unit 3 includes a gyroscope acquisition device and an acoustic sensor or microphone. Alternatively, the wrist unit 3 may include, in addition to the acoustic sensor or microphone, an accelerometer and / or a pressure sensor and / or a sensor for detecting rotational motion and / or a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor and / or an RFID sensor and / or an optical tag, but these are not specified in the provided text. Figure 13 Not shown in the image.

[0054] Instead of using multiple sensors or signal acquisition devices to collect different signals, you can also set up only one sensor or signal acquisition device, which includes multiple sensor channels for collecting different signals.

[0055] exist Figures 2 to 5 In the respective signal-time diagrams, to illustrate the position of the measurement window 20, only one signal process (such as the signal process of an acoustic signal) is used as an example, showing the corresponding start time t0 (when the measurement window 20 opens) and the second time point t1 (when the measurement window 20 either closes again or when a characteristic signal representing a normal insertion process, such as the characteristic acoustic click signal S, is expected to appear from this time point). K ).exist Figures 2 to 5 In the signal-time plot, the time span between t0 and t1 is denoted as Δt. To evaluate the quality of the plug connection, it is clearly necessary to consider multiple signal waveforms, not just the acoustic signal waveform.

[0056] exist Figure 2 In the middle, the trigger signal S used to open the measurement window 20 T The measurement window 20 appears at time point t0, and after a time span Δt, it closes again at time point t1. Trigger signal S T exist Figure 2 The characteristic acoustic click signal S is represented by a dotted line. K It appears within measurement window 20, that is, within the time span Δt. This is because the time point t0 when measurement window 20 is opened coincides with the characteristic acoustic click signal S. K It occurs before the signal is triggered, so it can also be called a pre-trigger signal.

[0057] exist Figure 3 In the middle, the trigger signal S used to open the measurement window 20 T It also precedes the characteristic acoustic click signal S in time. K It appears. Therefore, in this case, it can also be called a pre-trigger signal. However, in Figure 3 In the middle, the characteristic acoustic click signal S K This occurs only after the time span Δt has ended, meaning it is later than the second time point t1. Therefore, the duration of measurement window 20 in this case is longer than... Figure 2 The implementation variant shown is longer.

[0058] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated variant, the measurement window 20 opens towards the past time direction. When the trigger signal S... T When it occurs at time point t0, from a temporal perspective, the characteristic acoustic click signal S K It has already happened, therefore it is necessary to look back in time at the acoustic data recorded by recording device 14, which is... Figure 1 The signal acquisition device 12 in the middle collects the signal. Within the measurement window 20 that is closed again at time point t1, there is a characteristic acoustic click signal S. K Therefore, in Figure 4 In the implementation variant shown, evaluation unit 15 (see Figure 1 It can also be determined that a correct connection exists. Since the time point t0 used to open measurement window 20 coincides with the characteristic acoustic click signal S... K After it appeared, therefore in Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the trigger signal S T This is called a post-triggered signal. Figure 4 In the middle, this is also represented by a dashed line.

[0059] Another variation regarding the timing of the trigger signal is shown in Figure 5 In the middle. During this process, the trigger signal S T In the characteristic acoustic click signal S KIt appears within the time frame of occurrence. This allows for so-called dual verification, where the evaluation unit 15 verifies the characteristic acoustic click signal S. K Trigger signal S during occurrence T The presence of events other than the locking of plug component 101 and coupling component 102 is indicated by the characteristic acoustic click signal S. K Similar signal characteristics. In Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the trigger signal S T Therefore, in relation to the characteristic acoustic click signal S K They appear within the same time span. Especially in boundary cases, if it cannot be definitively determined whether it is the characteristic acoustic click signal S being sought. K When an acoustic signal exhibits similar signal characteristics, it is triggered by signal S. T and characteristic acoustic click signal S K The occurrence of signals within the same time span allows for mutual verification between the two signals. This improves the prediction accuracy regarding the presence of a correct connection. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, this evaluation is based not only on a single signal process but on multiple signal processes, thus involving multiple trigger signals S. T The measurement window 20 can be opened and closed when necessary, and the presence of two different characteristic signals, such as the characteristic acoustic click signal S, can be monitored within the measurement window 20. K And characteristic motion signals, or characteristic position or movement sequence signals of one hand 111, 112 or both hands of operator 110, i.e. posture or posture change signals.

[0060] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated implementation variant, the measurement window opens both in the past and future in time, extending it temporally to point t. -1 Between time point t1 and time point t1.

[0061] exist Figure 6a and 6b The figure shows one implementation variation in which the motion data of the right hand 112 of operator 110 is shown (see Figure 112). Figure 1 Or 13) as a trigger signal S for opening the measurement window 20 TOne of them is also used as a trigger signal to close the measurement window 20. In this case, for example, geofencing technology can be used to determine the position of the operator's right hand 112 to open the measurement window 20 and close it again. A marker 113, shown in white, is provided on the operator's right hand 112, which is tracked by two optical and / or electromagnetic and / or other positioning systems or position detection devices 114, 115, represented here by two cameras. Therefore, the tracking of the movement of the operator's right hand 112 can be done not only by optical tracking, for example by two cameras, but also by electromagnetic tracking by so-called real-time positioning systems based on RFID and / or by GPS-based methods. Therefore, the marker 113 can be an optical dot or other type of tag, such as an RFID tag. In addition, a target area 116 is determined. The movement of the right hand 112 or the marker 113 on it relative to the target area 116 is monitored. When the right hand 112 enters the target area 116 ( Figure 6a This action is used as the trigger signal S to open the measurement window 20. T (See) Figures 2 to 5 ). Leaving target area 116 ( Figure 6b The action of hand 112 entering target area 116 is indicated by arrow P6, and hand 112 leaving target area 116 is indicated by arrow P7. The trigger signal S exists in the form of movement data marked 113 on the right hand 112 of operator 110. T The movement of the operator's right hand 112 and the marking 113 attached to it are continuously monitored and tracked by two cameras 114 and 115. The marking 113 or the operator's right hand 112 is also identified at time t0 by the two position detection devices 114 and 115 when it exits the target area 116. The target area 116 is the area where the connector 100, i.e., the area where its plug part 101 and coupling part 102 should be plugged in, is located. At time t0 (see...) Figure 6a Measurement window 20 is opened at time point t1 (see...) Figure 6b Measurement window 20 is closed again (see, for example). Figure 2 The two position detection devices 114 and 115 thus constitute a signal acquisition device 10 for acquiring motion data, and thereby also constitute a trigger signal for triggering the opening of the measurement window 20 and a trigger signal for triggering the closing of the measurement window 20.

[0062] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this diagram, the acceleration profile of the corresponding right hand 112 of operator 110 is recorded in the corresponding acceleration-time graph. The acceleration profile is recorded in the x, y, and z directions, showing the acceleration in each of these directions. Figure 7 The text appears to be a fragmented collection of characters and symbols, possibly from different sources. A direct translation isn't possible without further context or clarification. Figure 8 It can be identified that within a time span Δt (this time span is within...) Figure 8 (As shown in box 21), only the right hand 112 accelerates in the x-direction. This signal can be used as a trigger signal S. T Used to open measurement window 20 (see Figure 2 Since the right hand 112 moves only in the x-direction, it can be inferred that the assembly of the plug component 101 and the coupling component 102 is underway at that time. Therefore, the movement only occurs along the longitudinal direction of the plug component and the coupling component, causing them to plug into and lock together. During the locking process, in addition to the acceleration signal characteristic of the normal plugging process, an acoustic click signal characteristic of this process also appears, but this signal is... Figure 8 Not shown in the diagram. The right hand 112 exhibits characteristic acceleration only in the x-direction during the time interval Δt (which is located within box 21), and is therefore used as the trigger signal S. T Open measurement window 20.

[0063] Figure 9 The image shown is an example of a record containing 25 measurements, demonstrating operator 110's right hand 112 inserting into connector 100 (see...). Figure 1 The figure shows the motion profile before and during the insertion or assembly / joining process. Motion signals can be acquired using a gyroscope. The figure shows the change of the angle α of the right hand 112 relative to a reference axis over time t, which is along the insertion or joining direction of the connector components, i.e., the connection direction between the plug component 101 and the coupling component 102. It can be observed that the operator's right hand 112 initially moves in various directions, exhibiting a characteristic motion sequence within approximately 4 to 5 seconds (Δt) from time point t0, indicating that the insertion process is underway during this time period. Therefore, the appearance of this characteristic motion sequence signal can serve as a corresponding trigger signal S. T This is used to open the measurement window 20, within which characteristic signals are expected to appear, such as characteristic acoustic click signals and characteristic motion signals or position signals.

[0064] exist Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the upper region of the figure shows the acoustic signal S varying over time. A The lower part of the figure shows the thumb acceleration signal S of the operator's right thumb. B The signal is acquired via an accelerometer sensor mounted on the operator's thumb, which tracks high-frequency acceleration signals; the lower part of the figure shows the position or motion signal S acquired via a gyroscope device. GThe device tracks the operator's coarse hand movements. The opening of the measurement window 20 is triggered by a trigger signal S. T The existence of this signal enables it to be realized in Figure 10 The diagram is delimited by a dashed box. The trigger signal S T This includes: on the one hand, a predetermined acceleration profile of the operator's right thumb; on the other hand, a predetermined position or attitude / attitude change or motion signal of the plug component and coupling component of the connector 100; and a predetermined acoustic signal profile. Identibly, in the trigger signal S... T A slight acoustic signal was present at the same time point. All three acquired signals, or at least the thumb acceleration signal S... B and position or motion signal S G All of these are trigger signals that open the measurement window 20. After the measurement window 20 is opened, it is expected that the characteristic acoustic click signal S will be detected next. K The characteristic acceleration signal S of the operator's right thumb BC and / or characteristic motion signal S GC The appearance of these signals. Figure 10 It appears within the second dashed box. This allows us to identify that during the engagement process of the connector, not only does the sought-after acceleration change process S, which characterizes the correct engagement process, occur, but also... BC Furthermore, the characteristic acoustic click signal S that was sought appeared. K This signal can be identified during the acoustic signal change process in the upper part of the diagram. Connector 100 is an electrical connector.

[0065] Figure 10 It is clearly shown that, in a preferred configuration, the three signals are used both as trigger signals (implemented here as pre-trigger) and as evaluation signals for assessing the quality of the mating process. This is a significant departure from existing technologies.

[0066] To acquire acoustic signals, for example, two microphone-type acoustic sensors may be provided, located at the thumb and wrist of operator 110 respectively; an accelerometer with a relatively high sampling rate (e.g., in the 44.1 kHz range), suitable for analyzing (solid-state) sound signals; and a gyroscope signal acquisition device located at operator 110's wrist to provide (low-frequency) hand motion data. The accelerometer is used to determine acceleration and velocity, and it evaluates vibrations triggered, for example, by a locking protrusion 106 on the plug component 101 (see...). Figure 11a , 11bThe gyroscope signal acquisition device determines the position or positional change of the operator's hand 110, wherein the device only provides information on whether the hand is in the correct position, and, where appropriate, roughly determines whether the correct action has been performed.

[0067] exist Figure 11a and 11b The diagram shows a mating connector 100 with two locking stages. The additional locking stages allow for a clearer pre-trigger signal. Figure 11a In the middle, the locking protrusion 106 of the plug component 101 engages with the first locking opening 107 of the coupling component 102, therefore the plug component 101 is not yet fully inserted into the coupling component 102. Figure 11b In the diagram, the locking protrusion 106 of the plug component 101 engages with the second locking opening 108 of the coupling component 102. The plug component 101 and the coupling component 102 are fully mated. Therefore, the mutual mating process of the components, that is, the engagement process of the plug component 101 and the coupling component 102, can be detected without special additional measures, and the corresponding signal can be used as one of the signals for evaluating the quality of the mating connection and is used as the basis for evaluation.

[0068] In this plug connector 100, the locking of the locking protrusion 106 in the first locking opening 107 of the coupling member 102 can serve as a trigger signal to open the measuring window 20, because the correct locking of the locking protrusion 106 in the second locking opening 108 of the coupling member 102 can then be expected, resulting in a characteristic acoustic click signal S. K and characteristic acceleration signal S BC Or characteristic motion sequence signal S GC The measuring window 20 can close again after a preset time span following the appearance of a characteristic signal when the locking protrusion 106 locks into the second locking opening 108, or the measuring window 20 can have a preset time span or duration, causing it to automatically close after the end of that time span. The trigger signal is triggered here by the component itself, that is, by the preset structural measures of the plug connector 100 itself, namely, the locking of the locking protrusion 106 in the first locking opening 107 of the coupling component 102.

[0069] Figure 12a The diagram illustrates a prior art method for controlling and evaluating the quality of mating connections. In this process, a first step 200 records and stores acoustic data, and a second step 201 searches for a characteristic acoustic click signal within this recorded and stored data. If the signal is not detected, the query loop is re-executed (see the return arrows from 201 to 200). If a characteristic acoustic click signal is detected, confirmation information for a correct mating connection can be output in a third step 202.

[0070] Figure 12b A process for quality control and evaluation of mating connections according to the present invention is illustrated. In this process, firstly, in step 205, acoustic signals, acceleration signals, and / or position / attitude or motion / attitude change signals are continuously recorded and stored. In step 206, the stored signals are filtered to remove, for example, unwanted acoustic click signals and periodically occurring non-transient interference noise. In step 207, an attempt is made to detect at least one trigger signal used to trigger the opening of measurement window 20. If this signal is not detected, data recording, storage, and signal filtering continue until the at least one sought trigger signal is actually detected (see the return arrow from 207 to 205). When the signal is present, measurement window 20 is opened in step 208. In the subsequent fifth step 209, characteristic acoustic click signals and characteristic acceleration signals and / or characteristic acoustic click signals and characteristic motion signals are searched within measurement window 20. If these signals are absent or abnormal, a mating process or mating connection abnormality is indicated, for example by a red indicator light. This is indicated by box 210. Conversely, when characteristic signals are present, these signals are detected, and information indicating a normal connection is output. Figure 12b As shown in box 211.

[0071] The method of this invention allows for more accurate detection of the presence of a normal mating process by setting a small and time-limited measurement window. Compared to the prior art, the required electrical energy is significantly reduced because, although various signals are continuously recorded, they are evaluated only within a short measurement window, thus significantly reducing energy consumption. The energy storage device used in the apparatus implementing this method, such as a battery, can therefore achieve a longer operating time than devices with higher energy consumption in the prior art. In addition to the various embodiments of the method and apparatus for controlling and evaluating the mating connection quality of a mating connector described above and shown in the figures, the mating connector is identified by at least two signals belonging to the mating connector during the mating process, characterizing a correct mating process, wherein these signals are acquired and evaluated. Numerous other embodiments can also be formed in which various signals are continuously acquired and recorded, at least one trigger signal triggers the opening of the measurement window, and each signal characterizing a correct mating process is checked within the measurement window by at least one evaluation unit, wherein the trigger signal is located before, within, or after the measurement window in time.

[0072] Reference number list 1 mobile device 2 thumb or finger units 3 wrist units 4. Connecting device 5. Connecting device 10. Signal acquisition device for acquiring trigger signals 11. Device for opening the measurement window 12 Acoustic signal acquisition device for acquiring acoustic signals 13. Signal acquisition device for acquiring trigger signals 14 Recording devices 15 assessment units 16 shows the device 17. Signal acquisition device for acquiring acceleration signals 20 measurement windows 21 squares 100-pin connector 101 plug components 102 Coupling Components 103 Assembly Workbench 105 components 106 locking protrusions 107 First Locking Opening 108 Second Locking Opening 110 operator 111 Left hand 112 Right Hand 113 mark 114 Location Signal Acquisition Device / Camera 115 Location Signal Acquisition Device / Camera 116 target area 120 thumbs 121 wrist 122 First thumb joint 123 Second thumb joint 124120 metacarpals 125 index finger 200 First Step 201 Second Step 202 Third Step 205 First Step 206 Second Step 207 Third Step 208 Fourth Step 209 Fifth Step 210 "Incorrect" box 211 "Correct" box t0 measurement window opening time point t1 Second Time Point t -1 Time point The time span between Δtt0 and t1 α angle SK Characteristic acoustic click signal S T Trigger signal S A acoustic signals S G Position / motion signal S B Thumb acceleration signal S BC Characteristic acceleration signal S GC Characteristic motion signals Arrow P1 P2 arrow P3 Lightning Arrow / Click Signal P4 arrow P5 arrow P6 arrow Arrow P7.

Claims

1. A method for controlling and evaluating the mating connection quality of a mating connector (100), wherein a first signal is acquired and evaluated, characterized in that, The first signal (S) is continuously acquired by the first signal acquisition device (12). A At least one second signal (S) is continuously acquired by at least one second signal acquisition device (17, 114, 115). B S G ), and recorded in at least one recording device (14), and at least one trigger signal (S T The measurement window (20) is opened by triggering the measurement window (20), and at least one evaluation unit (15) checks whether there are at least two signals (S) in the measurement window (20) used to characterize the normal insertion process. K S BC S GC ), wherein at least one trigger signal (S) T It is located before, inside or after the measurement window (20) in time.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one third signal, particularly the third and fourth signals, is acquired and recorded in the at least one recording device (14) and evaluated by the at least one evaluation unit (15).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one of the signals to be acquired or already acquired is an acoustic signal (S). A ), and / or at least one of the signals to be acquired or already acquired is a velocity signal or an acceleration signal (S B ), motion signals or position or attitude signals (S G ).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The signal acquisition device (17) for acquiring the acceleration signal acquires the signal at a high sampling rate, particularly at a sampling rate in the range of 43 kHz to 46 kHz, especially at a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one trigger signal (S) T The position signal of the hands (111, 112) of the operator (110) performing the plugging process is determined, in particular, by a geofence and / or at least one optical device, particularly a camera (114, 115), and / or at least one gyroscope device and / or at least one radio-based tracking device.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one trigger signal (S) T ) is the preset movement sequence of the hands (111, 112) of the operator (110) performing the insertion process.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one trigger signal (S) T ) is a motion direction signal used to indicate the direction of movement of the hands (111, 112) of the operator (110) performing the plugging process.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The operator's (110) hand movements are tracked continuously or at preset time intervals.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The tracking is achieved by means of at least one optical device, particularly a camera (114, 115), and / or at least one gyroscope device and / or at least one radio-based tracking device.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one trigger signal (S) T () is a confirmation signal or confirmation gesture signal after the plugging process is completed.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one trigger signal (S) T ) is a signal emitted by the mating connector components (101, 102) before they come into contact with each other or before they lock, particularly a characteristic acceleration signal (S BC ) and / or motion profile signals (S GC ).

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In order to utilize the propagation time difference to analyze the acquired signal (S) A S B S G The source of the signal (S) is located, and the signal used to collect the first signal (S) is then used to locate the source of the signal. A ) and the at least one second signal (S) B S G At least two of the acquisition devices (12, 17, 114, 115) are arranged relative to each other at a predetermined fixed spatial interval.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When the control is provided with a plug connector (100) having at least two locking stages, the acoustic and / or vibration signal triggered by the locking of the first locking stage (107) is the at least one trigger signal (S) used to open the measurement window (20). T ).

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, When the control is configured with at least one plug-in blocking element that requires force to overcome or at least one plug-in connector (100) having an increased roughness area, the acoustic and / or vibration signals triggered by overcoming the plug-in blocking element or the area having increased roughness and / or the force signal required to overcome the plug-in blocking element are the at least one trigger signal (S) for opening the measurement window (20). T ).

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Output at least one signal for closing the measurement window (20), the signal being time-based and / or event-based.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The measurement window (20) has a predetermined time length.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The duration of the measurement window (20) is 10 to 50 milliseconds, particularly 12 to 50 milliseconds, particularly 15 milliseconds.

18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The method is used to control plug-in connections in the production and assembly of products in the fields of automobiles, aerospace, consumer electronics, and medical technology; to control plug-in connections during the maintenance of equipment, machines, and vehicles; and to control plug-in connections in medical services.

19. An apparatus (1) for performing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The device (1) includes: at least one for acquiring a first signal (S A The first signal acquisition device (12) is used to acquire at least one second signal (S). B S G The second signal acquisition device (17, 114, 115), at least one of which is used to record the acquired signal (S) A S B S G A recording device (14), at least one for acquiring at least one trigger signal (S) T The trigger signal acquisition device (10) is used for acquiring the at least one trigger signal (S) in the presence of the at least one trigger signal (S). T The device (11) that opens the measurement window (20) when the measurement window (20) is opened, and at least one signal (S) for assessing whether at least two signals characterizing a normal insertion process exist within the measurement window (20). K S B S G Evaluation unit (15).

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