Method and device for checking and evaluating the quality of a plug connection

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for checking and evaluating the quality of a plug connection of a plug connector (100), in which a first signal is acquired and evaluated. In the method, the first signal (SA) is continuously acquired by a first acquisition device (12) and at least a second signal (SB, SQ) is continuously acquired by at least a second acquisition device (17, 114, 115) and recorded in at least one recording device (14), at least one trigger signal (ST) triggers the opening of a measurement window (20), and the presence of at least two signals (SK, SBC, SQC) that are characteristic of a correct plugging process are checked by at least one evaluation unit (15) within the measurement window (20), wherein the at least one trigger signal (ST) is present temporally before the measurement window (20), within the measurement window (20) or temporally after the measurement window (20).

Description

[0001] Method and device for checking and evaluating the quality of a plug connection

[0002] The invention relates to a method for checking and evaluating the quality of a plug connection of a connector, wherein a first signal is detected and evaluated, as well as a device for carrying out the method.

[0003] Methods 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 heavily influenced by the person performing the assembly, depending on the hand, hand position, movement sequence, and any possible misalignment of the components being assembled. Typically, an improper connection will be discovered during the end-of-line inspection at the latest. However, an incorrectly installed connection of such a connector requires complex and therefore expensive rework to correct the problem.

[0004] WO 2013 / 131632 A1 therefore discloses a control system and a method for controlling the assembly of a coupling device, comprising at least one plug connector, wherein a mobile sensor device is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the signal source of the plug connector. 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 selectivity 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 method for checking and evaluating the quality of a plug connection of a connector, wherein a first signal is detected and evaluated, as well as a device for carrying out the method, 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 method according to the preamble of claim 1 in that the first signal from a first detection device and at least one second signal from at least one second detection device are continuously detected and recorded in at least one recording device, at least one trigger signal triggers the opening of a measuring window and the presence of at least two signals characteristic of a proper plugging process within the measuring window is checked by at least one evaluation unit, wherein the at least one trigger signal is located before the measuring window, within the measuring window or behind the measuring window.For a device for carrying out the method, the object is achieved in that the device comprises at least one first detection device for detecting a first signal, at least one second detection device for detecting at least one second signal, at least one recording device for recording the detected signals, at least one trigger signal detection device for detecting at least one trigger signal, at least one device for opening a measurement window upon the presence of at least one trigger signal, and at least one evaluation unit for evaluating the presence of at least two signals characteristic of a proper plugging process within the measurement window. Further developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0013] This provides a method and a device for monitoring and evaluating the quality of a plug connection of a connector, in which the quality is evaluated using multiple signals or sensor signals or signals detected by at least one respective detection device. The signals used for the evaluation can be an acoustic signal, which can be detected or is detected by at least one acoustic detection device, and at least one further signal. Thus, at least one of the signals to be detected or detected can be an acoustic signal and / or at least one of the signals to be detected or detected can be a speed signal, acceleration signal, movement signal or position or attitude signal. A detection device for detecting an acceleration signal can detect this with 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. Thus, one of the detectable or detected signals can be an acceleration signal detected by a corresponding detection device for detecting acceleration, such as an acceleration sensor. Such a device operates with a high sampling rate. 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, it is therefore possible to create a higher level of reliability in the evaluation and assessment of the quality of the plug connection compared to the prior art solutions described above.

[0014] The sensor channels or detection devices for detecting the signals, such as an acceleration sensor, which operate at comparatively high sampling rates, result in the accumulation of a very large amount of data from which the signals characteristic of a proper plugging process must be determined. According to the invention, the amount of data on which the evaluation of the quality of the plug connection is based is limited by providing a measurement window that is opened by at least one trigger signal. By defining the measurement window and opening it when at least one trigger signal occurs, the susceptibility to errors can be significantly reduced compared to the prior art, since the signals characteristic of a proper plugging process are only expected in the measurement window, which is small in time or covers a short period of time.Accordingly, the probability that another event generating a similar signal characteristic to that of the characteristic signals will fall within this same time or measurement window is very low. In order to keep the measurement window as small as possible, additional signals and information from the connector assembly process are used, which coincide very closely in time with the expected characteristic signals. These signals and information can be present or occur before, at the same time as, or after the characteristic signals. Accordingly, this information and signals serve as the at least one trigger signal for opening the measurement window, whereby the at least one trigger signal can be before, within, or after the measurement window.Since the at least two signals are continuously recorded by at least one recording device, it is possible to open the measuring window retrospectively when the at least one predetermined trigger signal occurs, so that the measuring window lies before the occurrence of the at least one trigger signal. Since the presence of the expected signals characteristic of a correct plugging process is expected within the measuring window and their occurrence is checked by at least one evaluation unit, the quality of the assessment as to whether the plug connection of the connector is good, i.e. high, or poor, can be easily evaluated. The smaller and more precisely the measuring window can be spanned around the occurrence of the characteristic signals, the higher the quality of the plug connection check and the lower the risk of errors in such an assessment.

[0015] In contrast to FR 3 024 522 B1, according to the present invention, the evaluation of whether a proper plug connection is present is based on at least two signals, for the detection of which at least two channels of a detection device, such as at least two sensor channels of a sensor, or at least two detection devices, such as sensors, can be used. These can provide the at least one trigger signal for opening the measurement window. This makes it possible for the opening duration or time span of the measurement window to be in the millisecond range. In contrast to the present invention, WO 2016 / 070984 A1 does not disclose a measurement window for limiting the amount of data to be processed, nor does it disclose a trigger signal.

[0016] The at least one trigger signal can be a position signal of the position of an operator's hand performing a plugging process. The position of the hand of the operator performing the plugging process can advantageously be used as information from the assembly plugging process to limit the measurement window. If the respective hand or hands of the operator are located near the corresponding assembly point at which the plugging process is to take place, the occurrence of the characteristic signals can also be expected. This makes it possible to limit the measurement window, which is spanned around the expected characteristic signals, to precisely that time range in which the respective hand of the operator performing the plugging process is in the expected spatial position in relation to the connector. The position signal can be determined, for example, using geo-fencing.Furthermore, it is possible to detect the position signal by at least one optical device, such as a camera, and / or by means of a gyroscopic device and / or by means of a radio-based tracking device.

[0017] Furthermore, it is possible for the at least one trigger signal to be a predeterminable sequence of movements of an operator's hand performing a plugging and connection process. This allows the accuracy of defining the measuring window to be increased even further, since not only the position of the hand but also characteristic hand movements belonging to the respective plugging or assembly process and / or a specific process step of the plugging and connection process are identified. This sequence of movements serves as a trigger signal for opening the measuring window. In particular, it is possible to specify a specific sequence of movements, especially for one or both hands of the operator, in the form of assembly instructions or plugging instructions, so that even better and more reliable identification of the corresponding trigger signal in the form of this sequence of movements is possible.

[0018] Furthermore, the at least one trigger signal can be an acknowledgment signal or an acknowledgment gesture signal after completion of a plugging process. Such an acknowledgment gesture signal indicates that the plugging process has been completed. Accordingly, the period immediately before the occurrence of the acknowledgment gesture signal can be searched for the characteristic signals in the recorded data, and if they are present, a correct plugging process can be confirmed. In principle, it is also possible to send an acknowledgment signal as a trigger signal after completion of a plugging process instead of an acknowledgment gesture signal, for example, by the operator pressing a corresponding acknowledgment button.Such a trigger signal can also open the measurement window into the past of the recorded data, as with the acknowledgement gesture signal as a trigger signal, and the characteristic signals confirming a proper plugging process can be searched for in the recorded data and, if these are present, a proper plugging process can be confirmed.

[0019] Further advantageously, the at least one trigger signal can be a movement direction signal for indicating the direction of movement of an operator's hand performing a plugging process. In this case, the actual position of the operator's hand is not, or not necessarily, queried and used as the trigger signal to initiate the opening of the measuring window, but rather the direction of movement of the hand with which the plugging process is to be carried out is monitored. During a plugging process of a connector, at least shortly before the corresponding locking elements and locking grooves of the connector actually lock into place, essentially only a movement in the longitudinal direction, thus in the x-direction, is carried out. This can also be used as a trigger signal to initiate the opening of the measuring window.

[0020] Furthermore, the hand movement of an operator can be queried or tracked continuously or at predefinable time intervals. Such tracking can be carried out with the aid of at least one optical device, such as a camera, and / or at least one gyroscopic device and / or at least one radio-based tracking device. Accordingly, if a plug-in operation is expected every 20 to 30 seconds, for example, the hand movement of an operator can be monitored at such a time interval or time rhythm. If a corresponding position signal of the hand is emitted within the time interval, which serves as a tracking signal to open the measuring window, the measuring window is opened accordingly. If a corresponding sequence of movements of the operator's hand is detected, the opening of the measuring window can also be triggered accordingly by this tracking signal.Although the signals—i.e., the first signal and at least one further or second signal—are continuously recorded, the recorded data are only evaluated after the measurement window has been opened, so that the energy requirement is correspondingly low, especially for a mobile acquisition device for capturing the corresponding trigger signal. The energy requirement is primarily for the evaluation process. Powering a mobile acquisition device using rechargeable batteries integrated into the acquisition device is therefore easily possible. These allow operation for several hours without the need to recharge or replace the batteries.

[0021] Particularly preferably, the at least one trigger signal is a trigger signal that emanates from the connector parts to be joined themselves. This makes it possible to provide a narrow measuring window. The joining state in which the connector parts are joined and their locking is imminent can serve as the trigger signal for opening the measuring window. For example, the trigger signal can be a signal emanating from the connector parts before they come into contact with one another or before they lock, in particular a characteristic acceleration signal and / or movement profile signal. The measuring window that opens when the trigger signal is present can thus also be limited by detecting signals that emanate from the components of the connector to be joined during the mating process shortly before locking and can be recorded, thus shortly before the characteristic signals occur.Detection of the meeting of the two mating parts of the connector for their mating, e.g., by pushing the mating parts together—thus a plug part and a coupling part—can be achieved, for example, by a characteristic acceleration signal recorded by acceleration sensors. The same applies to a characteristic motion profile signal. These characteristic acceleration signals or motion profile signals are usually generated before the two mating parts—thus a plug part and a coupling part of the connector—are latched together, preceding the actual mating process, and accordingly also the signals characterizing a proper mating process.However, it is also possible for a specific movement profile signal to be characteristic of the completion of the mating process after the two plug-in partners have locked together, so that this too can be used as a trigger signal to open a measurement window directed into the past. Furthermore, at least one signal to close the measurement window can be output. Thus, such a characteristic movement profile signal can be used to end the measurement window, and thus to close it. For example, the measurement window can be opened with a first trigger signal and a second trigger signal can be used to close the measurement window. Likewise, a fixed time period can be specified for the length or duration of the measurement window, so that the measurement window has a predetermined temporal length.The signal for closing the measurement window, unless it has a predefined time length, can be either time-based or event-based. The second trigger signal can therefore be a specific, predeterminable result or a predeterminable time or period. The time length of the measurement window can be, for example, 10 to 50 ms, in particular 12 to 50 ms. For example, the measurement window has a time length of 15 ms. In comparison, however, the measurement window in FR 3 024 522 B1 is in the second or tenth of a second range, so that the quality of the evaluation of whether or not a proper plug-in process has occurred is significantly lower with FR 3 024 522 B1 and does not appear sufficient for demanding applications.

[0022] When checking a connector equipped with at least one double locking step, the acoustic and / or vibration signal triggered by the locking of the first locking step can be the trigger signal for opening the measuring window. Connectors with such a double locking step are known, for example, from DE 10 2013 205447 A1. In these connectors, the first locking step is particularly suitable for triggering the trigger signal in order to open the measuring window. During the further plugging process, the locking of the second locking step can also be expected. The characteristic signals that are monitored therefore lie within the measuring window. This design feature can therefore be used as a trigger signal for opening the measuring window in a connector that has at least a double locking step.When checking a connector equipped with at least one mating barrier that can be overcome by applying force, or with at least one area of ​​increased roughness, the acoustic and / or vibration signal triggered by overcoming the mating barrier or the area of ​​increased roughness, and / or the force signal of the force required to overcome the mating barrier, can serve as the trigger signal for opening the measurement window. For example, a mating barrier can be provided that initially blocks the mating process and must be overcome when the two mating partners, i.e., a plug part and a coupling part, are mated together. Overcoming the mating barrier can occur when a defined force is applied. Accordingly, such a force signal can be used as a trigger signal for opening the measurement window.When such a mating barrier is overcome, or even when at least one area of ​​increased roughness is provided, an acoustic signal in the form of a noise and vibrations can occur during the mating process by pushing the plug and coupling parts, thus the two mating partners of the connector, into each other. These vibrations can be used as a trigger signal. The signals characteristic of a proper mating process then only occur when the two mating partners, in particular the plug and coupling parts of the connector, actually engage. These signals then lie within the measurement window.

[0023] Furthermore, at least one third signal, in particular a third and a fourth signal, can advantageously be detected and recorded in the at least one recording device and evaluated by the at least one evaluation unit. In particular, it is possible for a first and a second detection device to be arranged on a thumb of an operator, and for a third detection device and a fourth detection device, which may also be provided, to be arranged on a wrist of the operator.For example, an acceleration can be detected by a first detection device, such as an acceleration sensor, an acoustic signal can be detected by a second detection device, such as an acoustic sensor or a microphone, a position or attitude or attitude change signal can be detected by a third detection device, such as a gyroscopic device, and an acoustic signal can be detected by a fourth detection device, such as an acoustic sensor or a microphone.

[0024] The method can be used to inspect plug connections during product assembly, for example, in the automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, and medical technology sectors, as well as in the maintenance of systems, machines, and vehicles, and in medical services. In the medical technology sector, the method can be used, for example, in dialysis to verify that a connector or plug-in connector is correctly inserted.

[0025] By providing a narrowly defined measurement window, which is triggered by at least one trigger signal and either has a predetermined length of time or is closed again by a second trigger signal, it is thus possible to significantly reduce the susceptibility to errors in the method and device for checking and assessing the quality of plug-in connections compared to the prior art. By limiting the measurement window, it is also possible to significantly reduce the computing power required for the evaluations, i.e. the computing power required to analyze the recorded signals in order to assess the presence of the signals characteristic of a proper plug-in process, compared to prior art solutions, since the analysis effort is reduced within such a small, time-limited measurement window.The time window is shorter than with an analysis that must be carried out continuously throughout the entire inspection period. The battery life of mobile or portable detection devices, both for detecting the signals and for detecting the trigger signal, can thus be significantly increased compared to state-of-the-art solutions, since the computationally intensive analysis of the signal characteristics of the various detected signals to determine the presence or absence of the signals characteristic of a proper plug-in process only takes place within a short period of time within the measurement window.In the present case, in contrast to FR 3 024 522 B1, for example, the at least one detection device comprising a plurality of detection channels or the detection devices for detecting the various signals are used both for detecting the at least one trigger signal and for detecting the signals characteristic for assessing whether a proper plugging process has taken place.

[0026] The source of the detected signals can be localized, for example, using time-lag differences between the at least two detection devices for detecting the first signal and the at least one second signal. For this purpose, these devices can be arranged at a predetermined fixed spatial distance from each other. This allows the desired signals to be separated from interference signals such as background noise. In principle, filtering the detected signals using high-pass filters and / or low-pass filters is also possible.

[0027] If at least one trigger signal, due to its type, lies in the time range in which the characteristic signals also occur, two-factor verification is also possible. This means that in borderline cases with interference signals, which could otherwise make an assessment based solely on the signals difficult, a clear statement regarding the quality of the plug connection can still be made. The quality of the plug connection therefore means the statement as to whether the plug connection is correct or not. This result can be displayed to the operator in the area of ​​the device or separately, visually and / or acoustically and / or haptically. In the simplest case, one or more green indicator lights can confirm a correct connection, while an incorrect connection can be indicated by a red display.

[0028] To further explain the invention, exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show:

[0029] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an assembly workstation with an operator and a connector to be joined in five work steps, Figure 2 shows a signal-time diagram showing a trigger signal starting a measurement window according to the invention and a characteristic signal within the measurement window,

[0030] Figure 3 shows a signal-time diagram showing a measurement window according to the invention, which is started by a trigger signal, whereby a characteristic signal only appears after a time period Δt has elapsed,

[0031] Figure 4 shows a signal-time diagram showing a trigger signal according to the invention, which only occurs after a characteristic signal, so that the measurement window for the range of the already recorded signals is opened before the trigger signal, i.e. in the past,

[0032] Figure 5 shows a signal-time diagram in which a trigger signal according to the invention occurs during the occurrence of a characteristic signal, so that the measurement window covers a period before the occurrence of the trigger signal and a period after the occurrence of the trigger signal, and a two-factor verification can take place,

[0033] Figure 6a shows a schematic diagram of an operator's hand entering a target area as a trigger signal according to the invention for opening a measurement window according to the invention, wherein the operator's hand is monitored or tracked optically and / or electromagnetically and / or GPS-based by an optical and / or electromagnetic and / or other localization system or a position detection device, here indicated by two cameras, and a marking applied to the hand,

[0034] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of an operator's hand emerging from a target area as a trigger signal according to the invention for closing a measurement window according to the invention, wherein the operator's hand is monitored or tracked optically and / or electromagnetically and / or GPS-based by an optical and / or electromagnetic and / or other localization system or a position detection device, indicated here by two cameras, and a marking applied to the hand. Figure 7 is an acceleration-time diagram illustrating an acceleration profile of an operator's hand in the x-, y-, and z-directions, thus all three spatial directions, as a trigger signal according to the invention for opening a measurement window according to the invention.

[0035] Figure 8 shows a further acceleration-time diagram for illustrating a characteristic acceleration profile of an operator's hand during a plugging process, wherein the acceleration profile is used as a trigger signal according to the invention to trigger the opening of a measuring window according to the invention and the relevant acceleration occurs exclusively in the x-direction, i.e. in the longitudinal direction of the connector, when joining the connector,

[0036] Figure 9 shows an angle-time diagram of 25 measurements of the movement sequence of an operator's right hand before and during a plugging process of a connector, wherein a part of the movement sequence serves as a trigger signal according to the invention for opening a measurement window according to the invention,

[0037] Figure 10 is a diagram with an acoustic signal, thumb acceleration signal and position / movement signal recorded over time, showing three trigger signals according to the invention for opening a measurement window according to the invention with characteristic acoustic click signals, thumb acceleration signals and position / movement signals occurring within the measurement window,

[0038] Figure 11 a shows a schematic diagram of a connector with a first and a second locking stage, wherein a locking lug is locked in the first locking stage / locking opening as a trigger signal according to the invention for opening a measuring window according to the invention,

[0039] Figure 11 b is a schematic diagram of the connector according to Figure 11 a, wherein the locking lug is locked in the second locking step / locking opening, wherein the signals characteristic of a proper plugging process occur, Figure 12 a is a flow diagram of a process for checking and evaluating the quality of a plug connection according to the prior art,

[0040] Figure 12b is a flow diagram of a process or method according to the invention for checking and evaluating the quality of a plug connection of a connector emitting characteristic signals during a plugging process that are characteristic of a proper plugging process, and

[0041] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of two hands of an operator performing a plugging operation, wherein one of the two hands of the operator is provided with a mobile device according to the invention for checking and evaluating the quality of a plug connection of a connector.

[0042] Figure 1 shows an example of a workflow for joining a connector 100, comprising a plug part 101 and a coupling part 102, at an assembly workstation 103 in five steps I to V. An operator 110 or a worker is located at the assembly workstation, carrying out the assembly, i.e., the joining of the connector 100 or its plug part 101 and coupling part 102. In a first step I, in the example shown in Figure 1, an assembly 105, comprising the plug part 101 and the coupling part 102, is moved to the assembly workstation 103, where the operator 110 is located. This is indicated by an arrow P1 in Figure 1.Instead of moving sideways in the direction of arrow P1, the assembly workstation 103 can also be moved towards the operator 110 from the front, from above, or in any other direction, or the operator 110 moves towards the respective fixed assembly workstation 103, e.g. in the case of fixed manual assembly stations, where the operator 110 or the worker is seated and the assemblies 105 are distributed using a so-called milk run. In the above-mentioned alternatives to the example shown in Figure 1, the movements of the operator 110 and the assembly workstation 103 in steps II and V described below are correspondingly different or adapted. In a second step II, shown as an example in Figure 1, the operator 110 approaches the assembly workstation 103 and thus the assembly 105 with the plug part 101 and the coupling part 102. This is indicated in Figure 1 by an arrow P2.

[0043] In a third step III, the operator 110 grasps the plug part 101 with their right hand 112 and the coupling part 102 with their left hand 111. In principle, it is also possible for the operator 110 to grasp either the plug part 101 or the coupling part 102 with only one of their two hands 111, 112. The movement of at least one of the two hands 111, 112 of the operator 110 is detected by a detection device 17. The characteristic movement of at least one of the two hands 111, 112 in the direction of the plug part 101 or the coupling part 102 is used as a trigger signal to open a measurement window 20 (see Figures 2 to 5). A detection device 10 is provided for detecting the trigger signal in the form of the characteristic movement of at least one of the two hands 111, 112 of the operator 110, and a device 11 for opening the measurement window based on the presence of the trigger signal is provided for opening the measurement window.

[0044] In a fourth step IV, the operator 110 assembles the plug part 101 and the coupling part 102 to form the plug connector 100. When the plug part 101 and the coupling part 102 engage, a characteristic acoustic click signal is emitted, indicated by a lightning arrow 103 in Figure 1. This is detected by a detection device 12 for detecting signals, such as acoustic signals. This characteristic acoustic click signal lies within the open measurement window.

[0045] In a fifth and final step V in Figure 1, in the example shown here, the fully assembled component with the fully assembled connector 100 leaves the assembly workstation 103 and the operator 110 moves away from the assembly workstation 103. Both are indicated by a respective arrow P4 and P5 in Figure 1. If the movements of the operator 110 and the assembly workstation 103 follow a different sequence, as explained above for step I, the movements of the operator 110 and the assembly workstation 103 may also be correspondingly different from those shown in Figure 1 in the fifth step. Both events, i.e. the leaving of the assembly workstation 103 by the operator 110 (arrow P5) as well as the removal of the fully assembled component with the fully assembled connector 100 (arrow P4), lead to the output of a second trigger signal, which is detected by a further detection device 13 for detecting this corresponding trigger signal.The measurement window is closed after this second trigger signal is present. Instead of multiple detection devices 10, 12, 13, 17 or sensors, one detection device or sensor with a corresponding number of detection channels or sensor channels can also be provided.

[0046] A recording device 14 can record the acoustic and movement signals detected by the detection device 12, so that these recorded signals also include, among other things, the characteristic acoustic click signal and a movement signal characteristic of a proper plugging process. An evaluation unit 15 can evaluate whether or not the characteristic acoustic click signal and the characteristic movement signal are present in the measurement window.If the plug part 101 and the coupling part 102 have been joined correctly by the operator 110, the characteristic acoustic click signal, identified in Figure 1 by the lightning arrow P3, and the characteristic movement signal occur within the measuring window, so that if both signals are present, the evaluation unit 15 can determine that the plug connection is correct and display it to the operator 110 via a display device 16. The display device can be an optical and / or acoustic display device, for example a green and a red optical display to illustrate a correctly completed plug connection (green light) or an incorrect plug connection (red light). Furthermore, a display can be shown, for example, on a screen in an assembly hall or at a production site in which or when.at which the plugging processes are carried out, or a dashboard on a tablet PC and / or at an external location, such as at an operator of the mobile device 1. All devices 10, 11, 12, 13, 17 and optionally also 14, 15 and 16 can be arranged in a mobile device which can be worn, for example, on the arm or wrist or a hand, such as a thumb, of the operator 110. This is indicated in Figure 13. There, such a mobile device 1 for monitoring and evaluating the assembly quality of a connector 100 is shown arranged on the two hands 111, 112 of the operator during the plugging process of the connector 100. The connector 100 comprises the plug part 101 and the coupling part 102, wherein the operator holds the plug part 101 partly in his right hand 112 and partly in his left hand 111 and the coupling part 102 in his left hand 111.

[0047] The mobile device 1 comprises a thumb or finger unit 2 and a wrist unit 3. Both are arranged on the right hand 112 of the operator. The thumb or finger unit 2 is provided with a connecting device 4, which serves to fasten the thumb or finger unit 2 to the thumb 120 of the right hand 112 of the operator. For this purpose, the connecting device 4 is designed, for example, in a ring-shaped or clasp-like manner and can be clamped to the thumb 120 of the operator in the manner of a clasp. The wrist unit 3 is also provided with a connecting device 5. This is designed, for example, in the manner of a bracelet, so that it can be worn on the wrist 121 of the right hand 112 of the operator.

[0048] In Figure 13, the thumb or finger unit 2 is arranged intermedially on the thumb 120, i.e., between the two thumb joints 122, 123 of the thumb 120. However, it can also be arranged proximally, i.e., in the region of the second thumb joint 123 of the thumb 120, which is closer to the wrist 121, and possibly in the region of the metacarpal bone 124 of the thumb 120, ensuring that the mobility of the thumb 120 is still maintained. In Figure 13, the further possible proximal positioning of the thumb or finger unit 2 is indicated by dashed lines. Furthermore, the thumb or finger unit 2 can also be arranged intermedially, proximally, or distally, in particular on the index finger 125, for example, of the right hand 112 of the operator.

[0049] Both the thumb or finger unit 2 and the wrist unit 3 contain sensors or the detection devices already mentioned above in relation to Figure 1 for detecting at least two signals that can be used to evaluate the quality of a plug connection of the connector 100 and that, among other things, also detect the at least one trigger signal. The detection devices or 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 2 comprises an acceleration sensor and an acoustic sensor or a microphone. The wrist unit 3 comprises a gyroscopic detection device and an acoustic sensor or a microphone.Alternatively, the wrist unit 3 may comprise, in addition to the acoustic sensor 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 13.

[0050] Instead of several sensors or detection devices for detecting different signals, only one sensor or detection device comprising several sensor channels for detecting different signals can be provided.

[0051] In Figures 2 to 5, in respective signal-time diagrams for illustrating the position of the measuring window 20, by way of example only based on a signal curve, such as the signal curve of an acoustic signal, a respective start time to, at which the measuring window 20 is opened, a second time ti, at which either the measuring window 20 or time window is closed again or from which the occurrence of the signal characteristic of a proper plugging process, such as the characteristic acoustic click signal S K , is expected. The time span between t0 and ti is designated as Δt in the signal-time diagrams in Figures 2 to 5. To evaluate the quality of the connector, several signal waveforms are naturally considered, not just the acoustic signal.

[0052] In Figure 2, the trigger signal ST opens the measurement window 20 at time t0. After the time period t has elapsed, the measurement window 20 closes again at time t1. The trigger signal S T is indicated by dotted lines in Figure 2. The characteristic acoustic click signal S K occurs within the measurement window 20, i.e. within the time period At. Since the time to for opening the measurement window 20 occurs before the occurrence of the characteristic acoustic click signal S K it can also be called a pre-trigger signal.

[0053] Also in Figure 3, the trigger signal ST for opening the measurement window 20 occurs before the characteristic acoustic click signal S K Thus, it can also be described as a pre-trigger signal. However, the characteristic acoustic click signal S Kin Figure 3 only after the expiration of the time period Δt, thus after the second time t1. The measurement window 20 is thus longer in time than in the embodiment shown in Figure 2.

[0054] In the embodiment according to Figure 4, the measurement window 20 opens in the past. When the trigger signal ST is present at time t0, the characteristic acoustic click signal S K has already occurred, so that the acoustic data recorded by the recording device 14, which were acquired by the acquisition device 12 in Figure 1, are looked back in time. Within the measurement window 20, which is closed again at time ti, lies the characteristic acoustic click signal S K, so that even in the embodiment according to Figure 4, the evaluation unit 15 (see Figure 1 ) can determine the presence of a proper plug connection. Since the time to for opening the measuring window 20 occurs after the occurrence of the characteristic acoustic click signal S K This trigger signal S T In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, this is referred to as the post-trigger signal. In Figure 4, this is also represented by dotted lines.

[0055] Another variant regarding the temporal occurrence of the trigger signal is shown in Figure 5. Here, the trigger signal S T during the time during which the characteristic acoustic click signal S K This enables a so-called two-factor verification, whereby the evaluation unit 15, through the presence of the trigger signal ST during the occurrence of the characteristic acoustic click signal S K. can rule out that an event other than the locking of plug part 101 and coupling part 102 shows a similar signal characteristic to the characteristic acoustic click signal SK. In the embodiment according to Figure 5, the trigger signal S T within the same time period as the characteristic acoustic click signal S K Especially in borderline cases where it would otherwise not be possible to clearly determine whether the signal is the characteristic acoustic click signal SK or an acoustic signal with a similar signal characteristic, the occurrence of the trigger signal S T and the characteristic acoustic click signal S KWithin the same time period, a mutual verification of both signals can be performed. This can increase the prediction accuracy with regard to the presence of a proper connection. Furthermore, as already mentioned above, the evaluation is based not on just one signal waveform, but on more than one, so that multiple trigger signals S T the measuring window 20 can be opened and, if necessary, closed and the presence of two different characteristic signals within the measuring window 20 is monitored, such as the characteristic acoustic click signal S K and a characteristic movement signal or a characteristic position or movement sequence signal or position or position change signal of one or both hands 111, 112 of the operator 110.

[0056] In the embodiment according to Figure 5, the measurement window is opened both in the past and in the future, so that it extends in time between the time t1 and the time t2. Figures 6a and 6b show an embodiment in which movement data of the right hand 112 of the operator 110 (see Figure 1 or 13) is used as one of the trigger signals ST for opening the measurement window 20 and also as a trigger signal for closing the measurement window 20. In this case, geo-fencing, for example, can be used to determine the position of the right hand 112 of the operator 110 in order to open the measurement window 20 and also to close it again. A marking 113, shown in white, is arranged on the right hand 112 of the operator 110 and can be detected by two optical and / or electromagnetic and / or other localization systems orPosition detection devices 114, 115, which are indicated here by two cameras, are tracked. Tracking the movement of the right hand 112 of the operator 110 is therefore not only possible optically, for example by two cameras, but also electromagnetically by so-called real-time location systems based on RFID and / or GPS. The marking 113 can therefore be an optical point or another type of label, such as an RFID tag. Furthermore, a target area 116 is defined. The movement of the right hand 112 or of the marking 113 arranged on it in relation to the target area 116 is monitored. If the right hand 112 enters the target area 116 (Figure 6a), this is used as a trigger signal ST to open the measurement window 20 (see Figures 2 to 5). Leaving the target area 116 (Figure 6b) is used as a trigger signal to close the measurement window.The entry of hand 112 into the target area 116 is indicated by an arrow P6, and the exit of hand 112 from the target area 116 is indicated by an arrow P7. The presence of the trigger signal ST in the form of the movement data of the marking 113 on the right hand 112 of the operator 110 is detected at time t0. The movement of the operator's right hand 112 or the marking 113 applied thereto is continuously monitored or tracked via the two cameras 114, 115. The exit of the marking 113 or the operator's right hand 112 from the target area 116 at time t1 is also detected via the two position detection devices 114, 115. The target area 116 is the area in which the joining of the connector 100, i.e. its plug part 101 and coupling part 102, is to take place.At time t0 (see Figure 6a), the measurement window 20 is opened, and at time t1 (see Figure 6b), the measurement window 20 is closed again (see, for example, Figure 2). The two position detection devices 114, 115 thus constitute the detection device 10 for detecting the movement data and thus also the trigger signal for triggering the opening of the measurement window 20 and also for triggering its closing.

[0057] In Figures 7 and 8, the acceleration profile of the respective right hand 112 of an operator 110 is plotted in a respective acceleration-time diagram. The acceleration profile is plotted in the x, y, and z directions, with the respective accelerations in the x, y, and z directions being shown. Figure 7 shows that the right hand 112 moves freely in all three spatial directions, while Figure 8 shows that in a time period Δt, which is outlined in Figure 8 by a box 21, the right hand 112 only accelerates in the x direction.This can be used as a trigger signal ST to open the measurement window 20 (see Figure 2), since if such a movement of the right hand 112 occurs only in the x-direction, it can be concluded that at this point in time the plug part 101 and the coupling part 102 are being joined, thus the movement only occurs in the longitudinal direction of the plug part and coupling part in order to plug the two into one another and thus also lock them into one another. During locking, in addition to the acceleration signal characteristic of a proper plugging process, the acoustic click signal characteristic of this occurs, although this is not shown in Figure 8. The characteristic acceleration of the right hand 112 only in the x-direction for the period Δt, which lies in box 21, is thus used as the trigger signal S. T used to open the measurement window 20.

[0058] Figure 9 shows a recorded example of the movement profile of the right hand 112 of the operator 110, comprising 25 measurements, before and during a plugging process or assembly / joining process of the connector 100 (see Figure 1). The movement signals can be recorded by a gyroscopic device. In the diagram, the angle α of the right hand 112 with respect to a reference axis, which lies in the plugging or joining direction of the connector parts, i.e. of the plug part 101 and the coupling part 102, is plotted against time t. It can be seen that the right hand 112 of the operator initially moves in a variety of directions, starting at time t, for approximately 4 to 5 s (=Δt) in a characteristic sequence of movements, which suggests that a plugging process took place during this period.Accordingly, the occurrence of this characteristic movement sequence signal can be a corresponding trigger signal ST for opening the measurement window 20, in which the occurrence of the characteristic signals, here e.g. a characteristic acoustic click signal and a characteristic movement signal or position signal, is expected.

[0059] In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, on the one hand the acoustic signal S A shown in the upper part of the diagram. In the middle part of the diagram, a thumb acceleration signal S Bof the thumb of the operator's right hand, detected by an acceleration sensor on the operator's thumb, with the acceleration sensor tracking the high-frequency acceleration signal, and in the lower part of the diagram, a position or movement signal SG is shown, which is detected by a gyroscopic device, which tracks the rough hand movement of the operator's hand. The opening of the measurement window 20 is triggered by the presence of the trigger signal ST, which is delimited by a dashed box in the diagram in Figure 10. With this trigger signal S T This involves, on the one hand, a predetermined acceleration profile of the thumb of the operator's right hand, and, on the other hand, a predetermined position or position / position change or movement signal of the plug part and coupling part of the connector 100, and a predetermined acoustic signal profile. At the time of the occurrence of the trigger signal ST also a quiet acoustic signal. All three recorded signals or at least the thumb acceleration signal S B and the position or movement signal SG are the trigger signals that trigger the opening of the measuring window 20.

[0060] After the measurement window 20 has opened, the occurrence of the characteristic acoustic click signal SK and the characteristic acceleration signal S B c of the thumb of the operator's right hand and / or the characteristic movement signal SGC are expected. These occur in Figure 10 within the second dashed box. It can be seen that not only the desired acceleration curve SBC, which is characteristic of a proper mating process, occurs during the joining process of the connector, but also the desired characteristic acoustic click signal S K, which can be seen in the acoustic signal curve in the upper part of the diagram. Connector 100 is an electrical connector.

[0061] Figure 10 clearly shows that in a preferred configuration, three signals are used both for the trigger signal, here implemented as a pre-trigger, and as evaluation signals for assessing the quality of the mating process. This represents a very significant difference from the state of the art.

[0062] To detect acoustic signals, for example, two acoustic sensors in the form of microphones can be provided, one each on the thumb and wrist of the operator 110, 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 on the wrist of the operator 110, which supplies movement data of the hand (low frequency). The acceleration sensor is used to determine an acceleration and a speed, with the acceleration sensor evaluating the vibration triggered, e.g., by a locking lug 106 on a plug part 101 (see Figures 11 a, 11 b). The gyroscopic detection device determines the position or changes in position of the hand of the operator 110, wherein it only supplies the information as to whether the hand is in the correct position and, if necessary, roughly, has performed the correct movement.

[0063] Figures 11a and 11b show a connector 100 provided with two locking steps. The additional locking step allows a clearer pre-trigger signal to be generated. In Figure 11a, the locking lug 106 of the plug part 101 engages in a first locking opening 107 of the coupling part 102; the plug part 101 is thus still incompletely inserted into the coupling part 102. In the illustration in Figure 11b, the locking lug 106 of the plug part 101 engages in a second locking opening 108 of the coupling part 102. The plug part 101 and the coupling part 102 are completely joined. The interlocking of the components, i.e., the plug part 101 and the coupling part 102, can thus be detected without any special additional measures, and the corresponding signal can be used as one of the signals used to assess the quality of the plug connection.

[0064] In this connector 100, the locking of the locking lug 106 in the first locking opening 107 of the coupling part 102 can thus be used as a trigger signal for opening the measuring window 20, since the correct locking of the locking lug 106 in the second locking opening 108 of the coupling part 102 can be expected next, thus the occurrence of the characteristic acoustic click signal SK and the characteristic acceleration signal SBC or the characteristic movement sequence signal SGC. The measuring window 20 can accordingly be closed again after a predeterminable period of time after the occurrence of the characteristic signals when the locking lug 106 locks in the second locking opening 108, or the measuring window 20 has a predetermined period of time or length of time, so that it closes again automatically after this period of time has elapsed.The trigger signal is thus triggered here by the component itself, i.e. by design measures provided in the connector 100 itself, i.e. the locking of the locking lug 106 in the first locking opening 107 of the coupling part 102.

[0065] Figure 12a shows the sequence of a method for checking and evaluating the quality of a prior art plug connection. In a first step 200, acoustic data is recorded and stored, and in a second step 201, the characteristic acoustic click signal is searched for in this recorded and stored data. If this is not detected, the query loops again (see back arrow from 201 to 200). If the characteristic acoustic click signal is detected, confirmation of a proper plug connection can be output in a third step 202.

[0066] Figure 12b shows a process according to the invention for checking and evaluating the quality of a plug connection. Here, too, in a first step 205, acoustic signals, acceleration signals, and / or position / location or movement / position change signals are continuously recorded and stored. In a second step 206, the stored signals are filtered to remove, for example, speech signals that are not the desired acoustic click signal, as well as periodically occurring and non-transient noise. In a third step 207, an attempt is made to detect at least one trigger signal that triggers the opening of the measurement window 20. If this is not detected, further data recording, storage, and filtering of the signals take place until the desired at least one trigger signal (see back arrow from 207 to 205) is actually detected. If this is present, the measurement window 20 is opened in the fourth step 208.In the subsequent fifth step 209, the measurement window 20 is searched for the characteristic acoustic click signal and the characteristic acceleration signal and / or the characteristic acoustic click signal and the characteristic movement signal. If these are not present or are not present properly, an improper plugging process or connection is indicated, for example, by a red light. This is indicated by box 210. If, however, the characteristic signals are present and thus detected, the information that a proper plug connection is present is output, which is indicated in Figure 12b by box 211.

[0067] The method according to the invention thus makes it possible to more accurately detect the presence of a proper plug-in process by providing a small and time-limited measurement window. Compared to the prior art, significantly less electrical energy is required because, although various signals are continuously recorded, they are only evaluated within the narrow / short measurement window, thus consuming significantly less energy. The energy storage devices used in a device by means of which the method is carried out, such as accumulators, therefore enable longer operation than with the more energy-intensive devices of the prior art.In addition to the various embodiments of methods and devices described above and shown in the figures for checking and evaluating the quality of a plug-in connection of a plug-in connector characterized by at least two signals characteristic of a proper plug-in process and attributable to the plug-in connector during a plug-in process, wherein the signals are detected and evaluated, numerous others can be formed in which the various signals are continuously detected and recorded, at least one trigger signal triggers the opening of a measuring window and the presence of the signals characteristic of a proper plug-in process within the measuring window is checked by at least one evaluation unit, wherein the trigger signal is located before the measuring window, within it, behind or after the measuring window.

[0068] List of reference symbols

[0069] 1 mobile device

[0070] 2 Thumb or finger unit

[0071] 3 Wrist unit

[0072] 4 Connecting device

[0073] 5 Connecting device

[0074] 10 Detection device for detecting a trigger signal

[0075] 11 Device for opening a measurement window

[0076] 12 acoustic detection device for detecting acoustic signals

[0077] 13 Detection device for detecting a trigger signal

[0078] 14 Recording device

[0079] 15 Evaluation unit

[0080] 16 Display device

[0081] 17 Detection device for detecting an acceleration signal

[0082] 20 measuring windows

[0083] 21 boxes

[0084] 100 connectors

[0085] 101 Plug part

[0086] 102 Coupling part

[0087] 103 assembly workstations

[0088] 105 assembly

[0089] 106 locking lug

[0090] 107 first locking opening

[0091] 108 second locking opening

[0092] 110 Operator

[0093] 111 left hand

[0094] 112 right hand

[0095] 113 Marking

[0096] 114 Position detection device / camera

[0097] 115 Position detection device / camera

[0098] 116 Target area

[0099] 120 thumbs

[0100] 121 Wrist 122 first thumb joint

[0101] 123 second thumb joint

[0102] 124 metacarpal bones of 120

[0103] 125 index fingers

[0104] 200 first step

[0105] 201 second step

[0106] 202 third step

[0107] 205 first step

[0108] 206 second step

[0109] 207 third step

[0110] 208 fourth step

[0111] 209 fifth step

[0112] 210 boxes “not OK”

[0113] 211 Box “OK” to Time of opening of the measurement window ti second time ti time

[0114] At Time span between t0 and ti a Angle

[0115] SK characteristic acoustic click signal

[0116] ST trigger signal

[0117] S A acoustic signal

[0118] SG position / motion signal

[0119] SB thumb acceleration signal

[0120] SBC characteristic acceleration signal

[0121] SGC characteristic movement signal

[0122] P1 Arrow

[0123] P2 Arrow

[0124] P3 Flashing arrow / click signal

[0125] P4 Arrow

[0126] P5 Arrow

[0127] P6 Arrow

[0128] P7 Arrow

Claims

Claims 1 . Method for checking and evaluating the quality of a plug connection of a plug connector (100), wherein a first signal is detected and evaluated, characterized in that the first signal (SA) is continuously detected by a first detection device (12) and at least one second signal (SB, SG) is continuously detected by at least one second detection device (17, 114, 115) and recorded in at least one recording device (14), at least one trigger signal (ST) triggers the opening of a measuring window (20) and the presence of at least two signals (S K , S B c, SGC) is checked within the measuring window (20) by at least one evaluation unit (15), wherein the at least one trigger signal (ST) is located before the measuring window (20), within the measuring window (20) or behind the measuring window (20).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one third signal, in particular a third and a fourth signal, is detected and recorded in the at least one recording device (14) and evaluated by the at least one evaluation unit (15).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the signals to be detected or detected is an acoustic signal (SA) and / or that at least one of the signals to be detected or detected is a speed signal, acceleration signal (S B ), motion signal or position or attitude signal (SG).

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that a detection device (17) for detecting an acceleration signal detects this with a high sampling rate, in particular with a sampling rate in the range from 43 kHz to 46 kHz, in particular with a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one trigger signal (ST) is a position signal of the position of a hand (111, 112) of an operator (110) performing a plugging operation, in particular the position signal is determined by geo-fencing and / or at least one optical device, in particular a camera (114, 115), and / or at least one gyroscopic device and / or at least one radio-based tracking device.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one trigger signal (ST) is a predeterminable sequence of movements of a hand (111, 112) of an operator (110) performing a plugging operation.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one trigger signal (S T) is a movement direction signal for indicating the direction of movement of a hand (111, 112) of an operator (110) performing a plugging operation.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hand movement of an operator (110) is tracked continuously or at predeterminable time intervals.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the tracking is carried out with the aid of at least one optical device, in particular a camera (114, 115), and / or at least one gyroscopic device and / or at least one radio-based tracking device.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one trigger signal (S T ) is an acknowledgement signal or acknowledgement gesture signal after completion of a plugging process. 11 . Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one trigger signal (ST) is a signal emanating from the connector parts (101, 102) to be joined before they meet or before they lock together, in particular a characteristic acceleration signal (S B c) and / or movement profile signal (SGC).

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for locating the source of the detected signals (S A , S B , SG) via transit time differences, the at least two detection devices (12, 17, 114, 115) for detecting the first signal (SA) and the at least one second signal (S B , SG) are arranged at a predetermined fixed spatial distance from each other.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when checking a connector (100) provided with at least a double locking step, the acoustic and / or vibration signal triggered by the locking of the first locking step (107) is the at least one trigger signal (S T ) to open the measuring window (20).

14. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that when checking a plug-in connector (100) provided with at least one plug-in barrier that can be overcome by applying force or at least one area with increased roughness, the acoustic and / or vibration signal triggered by overcoming the plug-in barrier or the area with increased roughness and / or the force signal of the force to be applied to overcome the plug-in barrier is the at least one trigger signal (S T ) to open the measuring window (20).

15. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one signal for closing the measurement window (20) is output, which is time-based and / or event-based.

16. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring window (20) has a predetermined time length.

17. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the time length of the measuring window (20) is 10 to 50 ms, in particular 12 to 50 ms, in particular 15 ms.

18. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method is used for checking plug connections in the field of production assembly of products in the automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, medical technology, in the maintenance of systems, machines and vehicles and in medical services.

9. Device (1) for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has at least one first detection device (12) for detecting a first signal (S A ), at least one second detection device (17, 114, 115) for detecting at least one second signal (SB, SG), at least one recording device (14) for recording the detected signals (SA, SB, SG), at least one trigger signal detection device (10) for detecting at least one trigger signal (S T ), at least one device (11) for opening a measuring window (20) when the at least one trigger signal (ST) is present, and at least one evaluation unit (15) for evaluating the presence of at least two signals (S K , S B , SG) within the measuring window (20).

Images