Mobile assembly monitoring and assessment unit

EP4732383A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-04-29VOSS AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
VOSS AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
Filing Date
2024-06-05
Publication Date
2026-04-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing methods for evaluating the quality of plug connections are prone to errors due to reliance on single acoustic signals, which can be affected by background noise and interference, leading to incorrect assessments of secure connections.

Method used

A mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit equipped with multiple sensors and sensor channels, including acceleration, acoustic, and gyroscopic detection devices, to detect and evaluate various signals simultaneously, thereby enhancing the reliability of plug connection assessments.

Benefits of technology

The use of multiple sensors and sensor channels significantly reduces errors by providing a more comprehensive evaluation of plug connection quality, improving selectivity and reliability compared to single-signal detection methods.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

In a mobile assembly monitoring and assessment unit (1) for monitoring and assessing the assembly quality of a plug-in connector (100), the mobile assembly monitoring and assessment unit (1) comprises at least two sensors (12, 13, 22, 23) or at least one sensor with at least two sensor channels for detecting at least two signals which can form the basis or form the basis of the assessment of the quality of a plug-in connection of the plug-in connector (100), at least one recording device (30) for recording the signals detected by the sensors (12, 13, 22, 23) or via the sensor channels of the at least one sensor, and at least one evaluation device (40) for evaluating the detected signals, and also signal transmission devices (60, 62) at least for transmitting the detected signals from the sensors (12, 13, 22, 23) or the at least one sensor with the at least two sensors channels to the at least recording device (30).
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Description

[0001] Mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit

[0002] The invention relates to a mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit for monitoring and evaluating the assembly quality of a connector.

[0003] Methods and devices for checking and evaluating the quality of a plug connection of a connector that emits a characteristic acoustic click signal during a mating process are known in the art. In these methods, the plug part and coupling part of the connector, or parts of them, are locked into one another during the mating process, with a sound signal or acoustic signal in the form of a click being emitted during this locking process. The assembly of such connectors is usually carried out manually. It is often not immediately apparent whether the plug connection has been made completely and correctly, i.e. whether complete, secure, and proper locking has occurred. It is therefore not necessarily possible to determine immediately during the assembly of connectors whether this assembly was carried out completely and correctly, and thus whether the connection is secure.The assembly force is strongly influenced by the person performing the assembly, depending on the hand, hand position, movement sequence, and any possible misalignment of the components being assembled. A faulty plug connection will usually be discovered during the end-of-line inspection at the latest. However, an incorrectly installed plug connection of such a connector requires complex and therefore expensive rework to correct the problem. For this reason, control systems and methods for monitoring the assembly of plug connections in particular are known, including by providing mobile sensor devices.

[0004] From WO 2013 / 131632 A1, for example, a control system and a method for controlling the assembly of a coupling device are known, comprising at least one plug connector, wherein the arrangement of a mobile sensor device in the immediate vicinity of the signal source of the plug connector is provided. The signal is an electronic and / or acoustic or sound signal. The signal emitted during the plugging process is recorded and evaluated. If a sound signal, i.e. the characteristic sound of a plugging process, such as the characteristic sound of the locking or clicking of the retaining element of a plug connector, is emitted as a signal, this is recorded during the plugging process and evaluated in an evaluation unit. The recorded signal orNoise can be separated from interference signals, in particular interference noise, and then checked to determine whether proper locking has occurred, i.e. whether a secure plug-in connection has been achieved. The mobile sensor device is designed to detect a structure-borne and / or airborne sound signal. To detect structure-borne sound, the mobile sensor device is brought into vibratory contact with the coupling device and / or the at least one locking cam thereon. The mobile sensor device is arranged on or integrated into a carrier material, wherein the carrier material disclosed can be, for example, an assembly glove and / or an item of clothing and / or a device that can be worn on a person's body, such as a belt, a watch or a bracelet, into which the mobile sensor device can be or is integrated.The data collected by the mobile sensor device is evaluated in a nearby decentralized evaluation unit and / or in a central evaluation unit. The collected data is transmitted via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cable, one or more USB interfaces, or wirelessly.

[0005] WO 2016 / 070984 A1 discloses a device and a method for monitoring the assembly of two components using a click fastener for connecting the components. A sensor for detecting an assembly force and a sound receiver are provided. During the assembly of the two components, the force applied to at least one of the two components by means of a device used to connect the two components and the sound generated during the assembly of the two components are measured. The course of the measured force is recorded as a function of time and / or the course of the measured sound is recorded as a function of time.The curve of the force as a function of time and / or the curve of the sound as a function of time are evaluated and a signal is generated which indicates the quality of the assembly of the click fastener if the curve of the force as a function of time and / or the curve of the sound as a function of time corresponds to a predetermined criterion. Furthermore, the acceleration of a finger and / or a hand of an operator carrying out the assembly is measured during the assembly of the two components. Using the assembly force as a basis is only suitable to a limited extent, as this depends on the person carrying out the assembly. For example, misalignment of the two components during the plug-in process has a major influence on the assembly force. Furthermore, the assembly force is difficult to detect and requires complex measuring sensors. This makes the process prone to errors.The discriminatory power between a proper and improper connection is also difficult to determine with a force sensor. The acoustic sensor is susceptible to interference from distant background noise, such as the noise level in an assembly hall. While assessing a proper and improper connection using both an acoustic sensor and a motion sensor simultaneously increases reliability and discriminatory power, it requires rapid processing of the acquired data, which entails comparatively high complexity in terms of high performance of the electronic components and size.

[0006] WO 2015 / 053936 A1 discloses a system for ensuring the joining of a connector. A microphone is arranged near the joining zone of electrical connectors. The microphone is designed to detect an audible noise as soon as the electrical connector is joined. Furthermore, an output unit is provided, which is connected to the microphone and receives the audio signals from the microphone. The output unit processes the audio signals to ensure the joining connection. The output unit filters out background noise to amplify the audio signals. Due to the use of an acoustic sensor, the system is suitable for applications where low to medium selectivity is sufficient and / or in environments where little noise influences the measurement result.The evaluation results in a limitation in the discriminatory power between a proper plug connection and an improper one.

[0007] WO 2017 / 062124 A1 also discloses a system for ensuring a mating connection of a connector. This system comprises a user-worn sensor unit that is worn near or on the hand of the operator, wherein the sensor unit comprises an acoustic sensor that is arranged near a mating zone of electrical connectors. The acoustic sensor can detect an acoustic noise as soon as the electrical connector is mated. The system further comprises a user-worn controller that is connected to the acoustic sensor, wherein the controller receives the audio signals from the acoustic sensor and processes the audio signals to determine the mating status of a connector. The controller provides the operator with feedback regarding the mating status of the connector.Due to the use of an acoustic sensor, this system is also suitable for applications where low to medium selectivity is sufficient and / or in environments where only minimal noise influences the measurement result. Here, too, the evaluation results in a limitation in the discriminatory power between a proper plug connection and an improper one.

[0008] WO 2017 / 062122 A1 discloses another system for ensuring a mating connection of a connector. This system comprises an acoustic sensor arranged near a mating zone of electrical connectors, wherein the acoustic sensor is designed to detect audible noises as soon as the electrical connector is mated. Furthermore, a connector identification sensor is provided, which is arranged near the electrical connectors. The connector identification sensor is designed to identify the presence of electrical connectors. The system further comprises a controller connected to the acoustic sensor and the connector identification sensor, wherein the controller receives the connector identification signals from the connector identification sensor, as well as the acoustic signals from the acoustic sensor.The controller processes the connector identification signals and the acoustic signals to verify the safety of the mating connection. However, the connection identification sensor does not contribute to the evaluation of the plug connection, i.e., the question of whether it is correct or not, so here too there is a limitation in the discriminatory power between a correct and an incorrect plug connection.

[0009] Furthermore, FR 3 024 522 B1 discloses a system and a method for determining the locking of a manual connection of a latchable quick connector. Here, a carrier is fixed to an operator, wherein at least one acoustic sensor is provided for measuring acoustic signals emitted by the connection. The measured acoustic signal is detected. The detected acoustic signals are filtered and compared with acoustic reference signals that are representative of the locking state of the connector, wherein a result of this comparison is simultaneously obtained. A message is sent to the operator regarding whether or not a locked state has been achieved. Furthermore, the method comprises detecting a movement of a first hand of the operator in order to measure movements of this first hand that are representative of the attempt to connect the connector.Detecting the movements triggers the start of the measurement and recording of the acoustic signals. Furthermore, an auxiliary recording of the movements of the first hand measured during the recording of the movements is provided, as well as an auxiliary filtering of the recorded movements of the first hand and subsequent auxiliary comparison of the recorded and filtered movements of the first hand with the reference movements that indicate a connection attempt. As soon as a movement of the user's first hand is detected, a recording is triggered. Acoustic signals are recorded over a period of time, and the filters and comparison devices process the signals at an interval that lasts a few tenths of a second before a trigger condition t0 until a few tenths of a second after.This results in a two-stage test in sequential order, with the assessment of the quality of the plug connection—i.e., whether it is correct or not—only taking place in the second step using the acoustic sensor. In the first step, the motion signal merely triggers the recording of the acoustic signal.

[0010] The methods known in the prior art for checking and evaluating the quality of a plug connection evaluate signals that are recorded via one or more sensor channels during a click sound during a plugging process, in particular airborne and structure-borne sound signals. The acoustic signals are continuously recorded and analyzed, and the click signal is identified by continuously analyzing the recorded signals, with the characteristics of the recorded acoustic signals being examined for the characteristic click signal. If predetermined limit values ​​are exceeded, such as a certain sound pressure level in a certain frequency range, this signal characteristic is assigned to a click signal, and the plug connection is classified as "OK." However, these methods and measuring devices orThis makes state-of-the-art control devices susceptible to errors, since it cannot be ruled out that other noises or events, such as the control device hitting a component or a tool falling down, could produce a similar or even identical signal characteristic in the recorded acoustic signals.

[0011] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit for monitoring and evaluating the assembly quality of a connector, in which the susceptibility to errors can be significantly reduced compared to the solutions of the prior art.

[0012] The object is achieved for a mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit for monitoring and evaluating the assembly quality of a connector in that the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit comprises at least two sensors or at least one sensor with at least two sensor channels for detecting at least two signals that are or can be used as the basis for evaluating the quality of a plug connection of the connector, at least one recording device for recording the signals detected by the sensors or via the sensor channels of the at least one sensor, at least one evaluation device for evaluating the detected signals, and signal transmission devices at least for transmitting the detected signals from the sensors or the at least one sensor with the at least two sensor channels to the at least one recording device. Further developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0013] This creates a mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit for monitoring and evaluating the assembly quality of a connector, which comprises at least two sensors or at least one sensor with at least two sensor channels for detecting different signals for evaluating the plug connection. In contrast to the prior art, it is therefore possible to detect not just one acoustic signal, but at least one further signal via the at least two sensors or the at least two sensor channels of at least one sensor. This makes it possible to base the evaluation of the plug connection on different signals detected by the sensors or via the sensor channels, thus avoiding errors that can occur in the prior art when only one acoustic signal is detected by an acoustic sensor due to interference.

[0014] The mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit can comprise not just two, but even more than two, in particular three or four sensors, or at least one sensor with three or four sensor channels, for detecting more than two, in particular at least three, signals that are or can be used as the basis for evaluating the quality of a plug-in connection of the connector. The mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit can thus also comprise more than two sensors or at least one sensor with more than two sensor channels, so that the quality of the evaluation can be further improved, since the evaluation can be based on an even greater range of different signals.The sensors or sensor channels can comprise at least one acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration signals, at least one acoustic sensor or at least one microphone for detecting acoustic signals, and at least one gyroscopic detection device for detecting position and movement signals. The sensors or sensor channels can thus detect, for example, an acoustic signal and another signal, such as a speed signal, acceleration signal, movement signal, or position or attitude signal. An acceleration sensor for detecting an acceleration signal can detect it at a high sampling rate, e.g., with a sampling rate in the range of 43 kHz to 46 kHz, in particular with a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz. The high-frequency components of the signal dissipate quite quickly along the propagation path, while low-frequency signals can also propagate over longer distances.When examining high-frequency signals, there is a high probability that the signal originates from the immediate vicinity of the detection device. By detecting at least two signals using at least two sensors or sensor channels, it is therefore possible to achieve greater reliability in the evaluation and assessment of the quality of the connector compared to the prior art solutions described above.

[0015] The mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit advantageously comprises at least one thumb or finger unit. This can be arranged on a thumb or finger of the operator who performs the plugging process, thus assembling the connector. The mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit advantageously comprises at least one connecting device for connecting at least part of the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit and / or its sensor(s), in particular its at least one thumb or finger unit, to a thumb or finger of an operator. The at least one connecting device enables problem-free connection, in particular of the thumb or finger unit, to the thumb or finger of the operator. The at least one connecting device can, for example, be ring-shaped for sliding the thumb or finger unit onto the thumb or finger of the operator.

[0016] The mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit can also advantageously comprise a wrist unit. This is thus arranged on the wrist of the operator who carries out the plugging process. In this case, it proves to be further advantageous if the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit comprises at least one connecting device for connecting at least part of the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit and / or its sensor(s), in particular the wrist unit, to the wrist of an operator. The at least one connecting device can be designed, for example, in the manner of a bracelet, wherein the wrist unit can be attached to the wrist of the operator, for example, like a watch with a watch strap, and can be worn by the operator.Furthermore, it is possible to design the at least one thumb or finger unit and the wrist unit in a modular manner so that they can be arranged in a glove worn by an operator during the assembly of a connector or other components. For example, the glove can have corresponding receptacles for arranging the at least one thumb or finger unit and the wrist unit therein.

[0017] The at least one thumb or finger unit can, for example, comprise an acceleration sensor and an acoustic sensor or a microphone. The wrist unit can comprise at least one gyroscopic detection device and an acoustic sensor or a microphone. Furthermore, the wrist unit can comprise an acoustic sensor or a microphone for detecting acoustic signals as well as at least one of the following sensors: a gyroscopic detection device, an acceleration sensor, a pressure sensor, a sensor for detecting rotational movements, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor. It is thus possible for the wrist unit to comprise more than just two sensors in order to be able to base the evaluation of the quality of the plug connection on even more different data. For example, two acoustic sensors or sensor channels, e.g.Microphones, one in the thumb or finger unit and one in the wrist unit, an acceleration sensor with a comparatively high sampling rate, e.g. in the range of 44.1 kHz, which is suitable for the analysis of (body-borne) sound signals, and a gyroscopic detection device in the wrist unit which supplies movement data of the hand, whereby these signals are low-frequency. The acceleration sensor helps to determine the acceleration and speed of the operator's hand, while the gyroscopic detection device determines the position and changes in position of the operator's hand. However, the gyroscopic detection device only supplies information as to whether the hand is in the correct position and, if applicable, whether it has roughly performed the correct movement. The acceleration sensor evaluates the vibration which is triggered, for example, by a locking lug on the connector or its plug-in part during the plugging process.

[0018] The at least two sensors or sensor channels can continuously detect at least two signals, which enable the evaluation of each plug-in process. These signals are recorded by the at least one recording device. The at least one evaluation device serves to evaluate the signals detected by the sensors or via the sensor channels. The signals detected by the sensors or via the sensor channels are transmitted by signal transmission devices from the sensors or the at least one sensor with the at least two sensor channels to the at least one recording device. From there, the recorded data is transmitted to the at least one evaluation device. The signals and data can be transmitted via cable or wirelessly, for example via radio, Bluetooth, etc.The at least one evaluation device evaluates the acquired data and thus assesses whether or not a proper plug connection is present. The quality of the plug connection is thus evaluated. The result of the evaluation of the plug connection can be displayed via at least one display device for indicating the quality of the plug connection. The at least one thumb or finger unit and / or the wrist unit can be provided with at least one display device for indicating the quality of the plug connection, in particular an optical display device and / or a vibration-emitting device.Both the display device configured as an optical display device and the display device configured as a vibration-emitting device can be located in the area of ​​an operator performing the plugging process, so that the operator can immediately recognize whether rework appears necessary if the plugging process was not completed properly. Thus, placement in the area of ​​or on the at least one thumb or finger unit and / or the wrist unit is particularly suitable, as these are located on the operator's hand or wrist and thus within the operator's field of vision.

[0019] The quality of the plug connection thus determines whether the plug connection is correct or incorrect. This result can be indicated to the operator visually, acoustically, and / or haptically in the area or on the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit, or separately. In the simplest case, one or more green indicator lights can confirm a correct plug connection; an incorrect plug connection, on the other hand, is indicated by a red indicator.

[0020] If a fixed distance is provided between the sensors of at least one thumb or finger unit and the wrist unit, and this distance is known, the signal source can be localized from the signal propagation time differences. This also improves the quality of the evaluation, as interfering signals can be separated even more clearly from the desired or expected signals.

[0021] The at least one recording device and the at least one evaluation device can be arranged in a recording and evaluation unit, away from the sensors or the at least one sensor with the at least two sensor channels. The recording and evaluation unit can, for example, be provided with at least one fastening device for fastening it to the body and / or clothing of the operator, so that the separate unit can be worn on the operator's body, for example on a belt. Data can be transmitted between the sensors or the at least one sensor with the at least two sensor channels and the at least one recording device via a cable. Wireless data transmission can also be provided. In the latter solution, the recording and evaluation unit can also be arranged away from the operator at a location in the area of ​​the work orAssembly location where the connectors are mounted by the operator.

[0022] The recording and evaluation unit can further comprise at least one interface, in particular a Bluetooth interface, for communication with a display device (), in particular a display or a tablet PC, for tracking plug-in processes. This allows the plug-in processes to be displayed at a location remote from the work or assembly site. This allows all plug-in processes to be centrally logged, in particular, each associated with the location or position of the respective connector, e.g., on or in a vehicle.

[0023] The recording and evaluation unit, or the at least one recording device and the at least one evaluation device, can be powered by rechargeable batteries that are integrated into the recording and evaluation unit. The energy requirement is primarily for the evaluation process. Powering the components of the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit, in particular its recording and evaluation unit, is easily possible via the rechargeable batteries. These allow operation for several hours without the need to recharge or replace the batteries. To further explain the invention, exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show:

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of two hands of an operator performing a plugging operation, one of the two hands of the operator being provided with a mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit according to the invention, and

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the components of a mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit according to the invention.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit 1 for monitoring and evaluating the assembly quality of a connector 100, arranged in two hands 110, 111 of an operator during the mating process of the connector 100. The connector 100 comprises a plug part 101 and a coupling part 102, with the operator holding the plug part 101 partly in their right hand 111 and partly in their left hand 110, and the coupling part 102 in their left hand 110.

[0027] The mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit 1 comprises a thumb or finger unit 10 and a wrist unit 20. Both are arranged on the right hand 111 of the operator. The thumb or finger unit 10 is provided with a connecting device 11, which serves to fasten the thumb or finger unit 10 to the thumb 113 of the operator's right hand 111. For this purpose, the connecting device 11 is designed, for example, in a ring-shaped or clasp-like manner and can be clamped to the operator's thumb 113 like a clasp. The wrist unit 20 is also provided with a connecting device 21. This is designed, for example, in the manner of a bracelet, so that it can be worn on the wrist 115 of the operator's right hand 111. In Figure 1, the thumb or finger unit 10 is arranged intermedially on the thumb 113, i.e. between the two thumb joints 130, 131 of the thumb 113.However, it can also be arranged proximally, i.e., in the region of the second thumb joint 131 of the thumb 113, which is closer to the wrist 115, and possibly in the region of the metacarpal bone 132 of the thumb 113, thereby ensuring that the mobility of the thumb 113 is still maintained. In Figure 1, the further possible proximal positioning of the thumb or finger unit 10 is indicated by dashed lines. Furthermore, the thumb or finger unit 10 can also be arranged intermedially, proximally, or distally, in particular on the index finger 114, for example, of the right hand 111 of the operator.

[0028] Both the thumb or finger unit 10 and the wrist unit 20 contain sensors for detecting at least two signals that can be used to evaluate the quality of a plug connection of the connector 100. The sensors can be an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration signals, at least one acoustic sensor or at least one microphone for detecting acoustic signals, and at least one gyroscopic detection device for detecting position and movement signals. The thumb or finger unit 10 comprises an acceleration sensor 12 and an acoustic sensor 13 or a microphone. The wrist unit comprises a gyroscopic detection device 22 and an acoustic sensor 23 or a microphone.Alternatively, the wrist unit 20 may comprise, in addition to the acoustic sensor 23 or a microphone, an acceleration sensor and / or a pressure sensor and / or a sensor for detecting rotational movements and / or a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor and / or an RFID sensor and / or an optical marker, which, however, are not shown in Figure 1.

[0029] Instead of multiple sensors for detecting different signals, only one sensor comprising multiple sensor channels for detecting different signals can be provided. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the components of the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit 1. In addition to the thumb or finger unit 10 and the wrist unit 20 with the sensors 12, 13, 22, 23 already mentioned above, as well as any further sensors also mentioned above, this unit comprises a recording device 30 for recording the signals detected by the sensors or via the sensor channels of the at least one sensor, as well as an evaluation device 40 for evaluating the detected signals. The recording device 30 and the evaluation device 40 are arranged in a housing 51 of a recording and evaluation unit 50. The recording and evaluation unit 50 is arranged remotely from the thumb or finger unit 10 and the wrist unit 20.For signal or data transmission, the thumb or finger unit 10 and the wrist unit 20 are signal-connected to the recording and evaluation unit 50 or, in particular, the recording device 30 therein via signal transmission devices 60, 62, shown here as an example in the form of cables. However, wireless signal or data transmission can preferably take place, e.g., via radio, Bluetooth, or similar, in order to avoid cables on the hand of an operator as far as possible, in particular between the thumb or finger unit 10 and the recording and evaluation unit 50. A signal or data connection is advantageously provided between the wrist unit 20 and the recording and evaluation unit 50. A signal or data connection can be omitted between the thumb or finger unit 10 and the recording and evaluation unit 50, since in most cases no independent orAutonomous communication takes place between the thumb or finger unit 10 and the recording and evaluation unit 50. The recording and evaluation unit 50 and the wrist unit 20 can be accommodated in one unit or integrated into one unit, such as the housing 51. This proves to be advantageous for ergonomic reasons. The thumb or finger unit 10 and the wrist unit 20 are also connected to one another in Figure 2 via lines 61. These can, on the one hand, be at least one line or device for signal and / or data transmission, and on the other hand, at least one line or device for energy transmission between the thumb or finger unit 10 and the wrist unit 20. Wireless signal, data, or energy transmission between the thumb or finger unit 10 and the wrist unit 20 is advantageously provided.When integrating the wrist unit 20 and the recording and evaluation unit 50 into their housing 51, a wireless connection is usually provided between the thumb or finger unit 10 and the wrist unit 20.

[0030] Accumulators 55 are also provided in the recording and evaluation unit 50 to supply power, primarily to the recording device 30 and the evaluation device 40. These units 10, 20 can also be supplied with power, if necessary or desired, via the signal transmission device 60, which connects the wrist unit 20 to the evaluation unit 50, and, if present, via the signal transmission device 62, which connects the thumb or finger unit 10 to the evaluation unit 50.

[0031] The recording and evaluation unit 50 with its housing 51 can be worn close to the body, for example, on the belt of an operator whose insertion process is monitored. The housing 51 can therefore be provided with a suitable belt fastening device for fastening to the operator's belt. Furthermore, the recording and evaluation unit 50 with its housing 51 can also be positioned remotely from an operator and, in particular, can be or become wirelessly connected to the operator. Communication can be provided, for example, via an interface such as a Bluetooth, radio, or other wireless interface.

[0032] Furthermore, the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit 1 comprises a display device 70 for displaying the quality of the plug connection determined in the evaluation device 40. The display device 70 can, as sketched by way of example in Figure 2, be an optical display device in the form of one or two LEDs, which, for example, light up in different colors depending on the result of the evaluation as to whether a proper plug connection is present or not, so that one color, such as red, can indicate an improper plug connection and another color, such as green, a proper plug connection. Furthermore, the display device 70 can be designed as a vibration-emitting device which, through vibration, indicates to the operator whether a proper plug connection has been achieved, i.e., whether the plugging process was successful or not.The display device 70 is shown in Figure 2 by way of example on the thumb or finger unit 10 and the wrist unit 20. However, it is also possible for it to be arranged on only one of the two units, or for an optical display device to be arranged on one of the two units and a vibration display device to be arranged on the other of the two units, i.e. the thumb or finger unit 10 and the wrist unit 20. A display can in particular be provided via a display on the thumb or finger unit 10 and / or the wrist unit 20 and / or at a location at a production site, such as a production or assembly hall in which the plugging processes are carried out, and / or at an external location, such as at an operator of the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit(s) 1.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a further display device 80, with which the recording and evaluation unit 50 is in communication connection via an interface 52, here a wireless interface, such as a Bluetooth interface, for communication with the display device 80, as indicated by the lightning arrow P1. The display device 80 is shown here in the form of a display. It can also be designed in the form of a tablet PC. It is used to track plug-in processes remotely, in particular from a location remote from the workstation or assembly station where the operator performs the plug-in processes, such as from a central location within a company where the plug-in processes are logged for the purpose of fulfilling verification requirements and as a quality assurance measure.

[0034] In addition to the embodiments of a mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit for monitoring and evaluating the assembly quality of a plug connector shown in the figures and described above, numerous others can be formed, in particular any desired combinations of the features mentioned, wherein the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit comprises at least two sensors or at least one sensor with at least two sensor channels for detecting at least two signals which are or can be used as the basis for the evaluation of the quality of a plug connection of the plug connector, at least one recording device for recording the signals detected by the sensors or sensor channels and at least one evaluation device for evaluating the detected signals, and the detected signals are transmitted from the sensors or sensor channels via signal transmission devices.the at least one sensor with the at least two sensor channels can be transmitted to the at least one recording device.

[0035] List of reference symbols

[0036] I Mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit

[0037] 10 Thumb or finger unit

[0038] II Connection device

[0039] 12 Accelerometer

[0040] 13 acoustic sensor

[0041] 20 wrist unit

[0042] 21 Connection device

[0043] 22 gyroscopic detection device

[0044] 23 acoustic sensor

[0045] 30 Recording device

[0046] 40 Evaluation device

[0047] 50 recording and evaluation unit

[0048] 51 housings

[0049] 52 Interface

[0050] 55 accumulator

[0051] 60 Signal transmission device

[0052] 61 Line

[0053] 62 Signal transmission device

[0054] 70 (first) display device

[0055] 80 (second) display device

[0056] 100 connectors

[0057] 101 Plug part

[0058] 102 Coupling part

[0059] 110 left hand

[0060] III right hand

[0061] 113 thumbs

[0062] 114 index fingers

[0063] 115 Wrist

[0064] 130 first thumb joint

[0065] 131 second thumb joint

[0066] 132 metacarpal bones of 113

[0067] P1 Lightning arrow / communication link

Claims

Claims 1. A mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) for monitoring and evaluating the assembly quality of a plug-in connector (100), wherein the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) comprises at least two sensors (12, 13, 22, 23) or at least one sensor with at least two sensor channels for detecting at least two signals that are or can be used as the basis for evaluating the quality of a plug-in connection of the plug-in connector (100), at least one recording device (30) for recording the signals detected by the sensors (12, 13, 22, 23) or via the sensor channels of the at least one sensor, and at least one evaluation device (40) for evaluating the detected signals, as well as signal transmission devices (60, 62) at least for transmitting the detected signals from the sensors (12, 13, 22, 23) or the at least one sensor with the at least two sensor channels to the at least one recording device (30).

2. Mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) comprises three or four sensors or at least one sensor with three or four sensor channels for detecting at least three signals which are or can be used as the basis for the evaluation of the quality of a plug connection of the plug connector (100).

3. Mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors or sensor channels comprise at least one acceleration sensor (12) for detecting acceleration signals, at least one acoustic sensor (13, 23) or at least one microphone for detecting acoustic signals and at least one gyroscopic Detection device (22) for detecting position and movement signals.

4. Mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) comprises at least one thumb or finger unit (10).

5. Mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) comprises at least one connecting device (11) for connecting at least a part of the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) and / or its sensor(s) (12, 13), in particular its at least one thumb or finger unit (10), to a thumb (113) or a finger of an operator.

6. Mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) comprises a wrist unit (20).

7. Mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) comprises at least one connecting device (21) for connecting at least part of the mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) and / or its sensor(s) (22, 23), in particular the wrist unit (20), to the wrist (115) of an operator.

8. Mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the at least one thumb or finger unit (10) comprises an acceleration sensor (12) and an acoustic sensor (13) or a microphone.

9. Mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the wrist unit (20) comprises at least one gyroscopic detection device (22) and an acoustic sensor (23) or a microphone, in particular the wrist unit (20) comprises an acoustic sensor (23) or a microphone for detecting acoustic signals and at least one of the following sensors: a gyroscopic detection device (22), an acceleration sensor, a pressure sensor, a sensor for detecting rotational movements, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor.

10. Mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the at least one thumb or finger unit (10) and / or the wrist unit (20) is provided with at least one first display device (70) for displaying the quality of the plug connection, in particular an optical display device and / or a device emitting a vibration.

11. Mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one recording device (30) and the at least one evaluation device (40) are arranged in a recording and evaluation unit (50), are arranged away from the sensors (12, 13, 22, 23) or the at least one sensor with the at least two sensor channels.

12. Mobile assembly monitoring and evaluation unit (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the recording and evaluation unit (50) has at least one interface (52), in particular a wireless interface, for communication with a second display device (80), in particular a display or a tablet PC, for tracking plug-in processes.