Method and device for testing a cable set

Abstract

The method and the device for testing a cable set (4), which comprises a wiring harness (5) and at least one attachment (16), have provision, according to the invention, for the cable set (4) to be put onto a platform (6) that comprises a receiving part (8) for the attachment (16). A sensor device (14) for detecting a positional state of the attachment (16) is arranged on the receiving part (8) and comprises a passive, writable RFID transponder (18). The positional state detected by the sensor device (14) is read by an associated RFID reader (10) as information about the current positional state of the attachment (16).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method and device for testing a cable harness

[0003] The invention relates to a method and a device for testing a cable harness, especially a motor vehicle cable harness with the features of the preamble of claim 1 and claim 11 respectively.

[0004] Such a method and device can be found in EP 2 150 962 B1. This describes a manufacturing system for a cable set, also known as a wiring harness. Attached to the wiring harness are attachments such as connectors or fastening elements for securing the wiring harness to a supporting structure, etc. The wiring harness is placed on a cable table. To check whether a particular attachment is present, receiving parts are arranged on the cable table. These parts are equipped with a test sensor that is activated when the wiring harness is placed on it and the attachment is present. The test sensor comprises a test pin that is spring-loaded in the base of the receiving part and is pressed down when the attachment is placed on it. The resulting change in state is transmitted wirelessly to a controller as a change signal using a radio element.To power the test sensor and the radio element, for example, each receiving part is assigned an electric generator that generates current through mechanical movement. Alternatively, power is supplied via electrically conductive layers formed in the cable table. This is comparatively complex. Such a manufacturing system is used for quality control, particularly at the end of cable harness production, to ensure that the cable harness is complete and all attachments are present.

[0005] DE10 2017 122 223 A1 describes a test bench for testing the functionality of cable harnesses, with test modules that can be placed on the test bench. Each test module stores module-specific data, which can be transmitted to an input device, such as a smartphone, via an NFC connection. Conversely, the input device can also transmit data, in particular the current position data of the test module, to the test bench. Such a test bench is used to test the correct assembly, particularly of connectors attached to the cable harness, for example, by checking the correct mechanical locking of contact elements or connector modules in a connector housing.

[0006] Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide a method and a device for producing or testing a cable harness with a simplified structure.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention by a method and a device for testing a cable harness having the features of claim 1 and claim 11, respectively. The features, advantages, and preferred embodiments described below with regard to the method are also to be transferred analogously to the device and vice versa.

[0008] A cable harness is typically a bundle of several individual cables, with the cable harness typically having a branched structure with a main cable and several secondary cables branching off from it. At least one attachment, and typically several attachments, are attached to this cable harness. These attachments can be, for example, functional elements such as a connector connected to the cables, a connected electrical functional component such as a sensor or an activator, or a control unit. Alternatively, the attachments can be mechanical attachments without an electrical function, such as mechanical fastening elements such as clips, an attached protective sheath such as a cable duct, a hose, etc.

[0009] In order to check and thus for quality control whether a particular attachment is present or correctly installed, a platform is provided to which the cable harness is attached and in particular laid down for testing. At least one receiving part and preferably several receiving parts are arranged on the platform, each receiving an attachment. The receiving parts can be designed in different ways. In particular, they are designed as a holder with a support plate and, for example, with at least one lateral limitation, onto which, for example, an attachment designed as a plug is placed. Alternatively, the receiving part can also be a guide element for the cable harness, such as a fork. In addition, however, it is also possible for the receiving part to be designed as a recess, a socket or - particularly when the platform is designed as a test table - as a mating plug.

[0010] To detect the positional status of a respective attachment, a sensor device is assigned to each receiving part. This sensor device has a passive, writable RFID transponder. An RFID reader with an integrated transmitting antenna transmits a read or position request to the RFID transponder as needed. Based on or during such a position query, information about the current positional status of the respective attachment is then recorded or determined. From this information, the actual current positional status can be directly determined or at least indirectly deduced.

[0011] The information is recorded, for example, by the sensor device actively determining and measuring the current position status, or by checking whether a defined, predetermined target status exists, or by reading out information stored in the transponder.

[0012] The collected information is preferably transmitted to the RFID reader. This means that in this variant, the information is read by the RFID reader.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, the information is displayed, for example, only locally on the receiving part or on the platform, in particular by an optical light element (LED).

[0014] In this case, information about the current position status is understood to mean any information that allows, directly or indirectly, a conclusion to be drawn about the current position of the attachment part in relation to the receiving part.

[0015] This information is typically contained in a sensor signal from the sensor device. By appropriately evaluating this information, a qualitative assessment is made as to whether the attachment is in an OK position or not.

[0016] The RFID reader is, for example, located directly on the platform as an integral part of the platform or outside the platform and independent of it as a separate RFID reader.

[0017] A suitably designed RFID system is therefore used for quality control. It's important to note that the RFID transponder is designed as a passive transponder, which does not have its own power supply. It draws its energy exclusively from the electromagnetic field emitted by the reader when querying the current position status.

[0018] As usual, the RFID transponder has a transponder antenna, which receives the electromagnetic signal from the reader and transmits information about the current position as a suitable transmission signal. It also has an electronic unit with, for example, a microchip or a processing unit. If required, the electronic unit also has non-volatile memory, such as an EEPROM. In one embodiment, such memory is omitted.

[0019] The use of a passive RFID system offers the unique advantage of eliminating the need for separate power supplies for the sometimes very numerous receiving components. This simplifies the design and construction of the device and eliminates the need for complex power supply arrangements.

[0020] It's also worth emphasizing that the RFID reader can determine and, in particular, read out information about the current position status at any time during the position query. This simplifies inspection and quality control. The information can therefore be retrieved generally as needed and is not only recorded as a change in status when the attachment is placed on the workpiece.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the sensor device is activated upon a position query, i.e., the sensor device is prompted by the position query to detect the current position status. This means that the current position status is only detected upon the position query. The energy for this is taken from the transmission field of the RFID reader. In this variant, no storage of the current status is required and preferably not provided.

[0022] According to a preferred variant, the information about the current position status is stored in a memory, for example, in an integrated memory of a microchip, and is read from the memory, for example, during a (repeated) position query. In this embodiment, the transponder can therefore be written with the information about the current position status. This information about the current position status is stored and can be retrieved at any time.

[0023] Each RFID transponder typically has a unique identifier, so that when using a large number of RFID transponders, a clear assignment of a respective signal to a respective receiving part is possible.

[0024] In cable harness production, depending on the cable harness, a large number of RFID transponders are required per platform (e.g., assembly board), each of which is used to test a specific component. For example, between 1 and 500 RFID transponders are used per platform, meaning that frequently several tens (especially more than 50) or even several hundreds (especially more than 200) of RFID transponders are used. A production line often uses several such platforms, for example, 4 to 20 platforms, resulting in a requirement for at least several hundred (more than 200, especially more than 500, or even more than 1,000) and especially several thousand (more than 2,000, up to 10,000) RFID transponders.

[0025] Antennas are usually required on both sides for the necessary communication between the reader and the transponder. Preferably, one reader (with one or more antennas) is assigned to a large number of transponders. For example, only one reader is assigned to each platform / workstation or even the entire production line.

[0026] Another essential requirement is to ensure or verify the functionality of the respective RFID transponder.

[0027] In a preferred development, it is therefore provided that the operational readiness of the plurality of these sensor devices, and in particular the operational readiness of a respective RFID transponder, is checked, especially before the actual position query. In particular, all transponders used are checked for their operational readiness and thus functionality. This is therefore carried out during operation and in particular recurringly, for example, every time a platform 6 reaches a processing station / test station. The individual transponders are therefore designed in such a way that, upon a query via the reader, each transponder independently provides a response, thus determining whether the respective transponder is functional.

[0028] As explained in more detail below, in a preferred embodiment, the sensor device, as a sensor for detecting the current position, has a switching unit that can have at least two switching states and preferably also multiple switching states. The transponder is now designed such that, for this operational readiness check, information about the current switching state is always transmitted to the reader as a response signal.

[0029] Unlike transponders, which only send a signal in a single condition, this ensures that the transponder's functionality is always detected. At the same time, the connection between the reader and the respective transponder is also checked for functionality.

[0030] In this case, the operational readiness check, and thus system monitoring, is preferably performed independently of the position query and thus independently of the test information about the attachment. For example, this check is performed before the cable harness is laid on the platform, specifically before the individual cables are laid on the platform to form the cable harness. Therefore, the platform, especially the transponders mounted on it, are checked in advance so that any defective transponders can be identified and replaced.

[0031] This measure therefore ensures or increases the reliability of the test system described here and, in particular, also enables the described test system to be checked with regard to its functionality, so that it is guaranteed that reliable information about the respective add-on parts is always actually obtained.

[0032] Typically, sensor devices are distributed across the platform, particularly regardless of the specific installation geometry of the cable harness currently being installed on the platform. A given platform is therefore preferably designed universally for different cable harnesses and equipped with sensor devices independently of the cable harness. This means that some of the mounting components are not required for the current cable harness.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, prior to a position query, a check is first performed to determine which of the sensor devices currently need to be used for the position query. Alternatively or additionally, a check is performed to determine whether all required sensor devices are present. For this purpose, for example, a cable layout of the cable harness currently being tested is read from a memory, and it is identified which mounting parts or sensor devices (at which positions) are used or must be occupied in this cable harness. For the subsequent position query and test, preferably only these identified sensor devices are specifically queried.

[0034] In a preferred development, these sensor devices, and preferably only these, are checked for their functionality. The advantage of this layout-specific check is that it can be identified in advance whether a sensor device is defective or missing, allowing any necessary replacement or repair measures to be carried out on the platform.

[0035] For the purposes of this application, an RFID system is understood to be a system in which information is retrieved from a tag (transponder, RFID chip) using a reader. In principle, the RFID system in the sense of this application also includes an NFC system in which information is also transmitted to the transponder / tag using the reader. In this case, however, it is preferably a classic RFID system in which information is not transmitted to the transponder and the transponder is not written to using the reader. A disadvantage of the NFC system is the relatively short communication range, which is limited to a few centimeters (e.g. 1-10 centimeters, sometimes more). With the classic RFID technology preferred here, the communication range is significantly higher and is at least 1 meter, or at least 2 meters, or even 4 meters.By appropriately designing the antennas and their transmission power, the communication range is adapted to the respective situation.

[0036] The platform is typically a plate, which in a first, preferred embodiment forms a conventional cable table. This platform is used for quality control, especially in cable harness production, in particular to check whether a particular attachment is present and, in particular, whether the attachment is correctly positioned. The inspection is performed either as an inline inspection at various production stages of the cable harness or as an end-of-line inspection, thus representing the final inspection of the finished cable harness.

[0037] In an alternative design variant, the platform is a so-called test table. Such test tables are used, in particular, to check the proper assembly of electrical components such as connectors, contact elements, etc. For this purpose, the respective component is typically electrically contacted at a test station on the test table, for example, using a mating connector. Such a test station is formed by a respective receiving part. The sensor device thus checks, for example, the correct insertion into such a mating connector. Alternatively, the sensor device checks whether a contact element or a connector module has correctly engaged with a connector housing. Such a test table usually has several test stations.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor device further comprises a sensor connected to the RFID transponder and configured to detect the current position. For example, the sensor—particularly after being activated by the position query—transmits a sensor or position signal to the RFID transponder, which provides information about the current position.

[0039] Preferably, the RFID transponder is arranged separately from the sensor, meaning the transponder and the sensor are two separate components. The transponder is often also referred to as an RFID chip. This typically comprises an electronic unit and an antenna, which are typically mounted together on a circuit board. The sensor is connected to this unit as a separate component, for example, by wiring via connecting cables. Therefore, the transponder and sensor are preferably mechanically separated.

[0040] This simplifies the design of the mount. By using individual wires between the transponder, also known as an RFID tag, and the sensor, especially the switching unit, the components can be freely positioned to achieve a good reading range for the transponder and to construct the entire mount in a user-friendly manner. This allows for increased design freedom, as the sensor (the switching unit / switches)—just like the signal element described below—can be placed independently of the position of the transponder.

[0041] The transponder has electrical connections through which the sensor is connected as an additional component. The position signal is preferably processed in the transponder's electronics unit, for example, for transmission to the RFID reader during a position query. Alternatively or additionally, information corresponding to the position signal regarding the current position status of the attachment is stored in the RFID transponder's optional writable memory. In a preferred embodiment, the transponder has multiple inputs so that multiple position signals can be recorded and evaluated simultaneously, as explained in more detail below.

[0042] The sensor is designed in a suitable manner, for example, as an optical, inductive, or mechanical sensor. An optical sensor, for example, is designed as a light barrier or evaluates a reflection. The sensor transmits an electrical signal, for example, as the position signal, to the RFID transponder, which is evaluated, in particular, by the transponder's electronics unit.

[0043] The sensor detects at least one piece of position information, specifically whether the attachment is in the correct position in the receiving part.

[0044] In a useful development, the sensor is designed to detect multiple pieces of information, in particular position information, in particular in such a way that differently designed attachments can be distinguished, as will be explained in more detail below. Correspondingly, the transponder is also designed to detect different pieces of information and thus to detect different sensor signals, and for this purpose preferably has several inputs, to each of which a (position) signal is transmitted from the sensor to transmit the different pieces of information.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is a switching unit with multiple, for example, two, switching states, each switching state corresponding to a defined current position state. In a preferred embodiment, the switching unit is designed to assume more than two switching states and accordingly output multiple position signals.

[0046] For this purpose, the switching unit expediently has several individual switches, with each switch preferably assuming two switching states. This achieves a particularly simple design. This design, particularly with two switching states, generates a digital position signal (present / absent) and provides it as information about the current position state. Each switching state therefore contains specific information about the current position state.

[0047] When using multiple position signals and multiple switches, each (digital) position signal is transmitted to an input of the transponder, so that multiple position signals and thus position information can be available and evaluated in parallel at the same time.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the various switches are distributed around a receiving area of ​​the receiving part. The attachment is received in the receiving area. This allows, in particular, the shape of the attachment to be recognized, or different attachments can be identified based on the shape, as will be explained further below.

[0049] The (switching) state of the switching unit is preferably determined by a position query initiated by the RFID reader. For this purpose, a circuit to which the switching unit is connected is activated and, for example, subjected to a test voltage. The position signal is generated as information about the current switching state and thus about the current position state.

[0050] The position query generally initiates the acquisition of the current position state. This is done, for example, as described above, through active acquisition / measurement, by querying and then transmitting the current state of the sensor, in particular the current switching state.

[0051] Alternatively, it is also possible to check whether a defined position status is currently present. For this purpose, the electronic unit, in conjunction with the sensor device, independently checks whether a requested position status, for example, is actually present. This is then indicated, for example, by a visual indicator (e.g., an LED) located on the receiving part or on the platform. In this case, information about the current position status is not necessarily transmitted to the RFID reader.

[0052] In order to reliably detect the presence or correct installation position of the attachment, the sensor and in particular the switching unit are preferably arranged (directly) on or in the receiving part and specifically in the immediate vicinity of a receiving area of ​​the receiving part in which the attachment is received. The sensor and in particular the switching unit are preferably activated when the respective attachment is attached to the receiving part and in particular are brought into a different switching state each time. By suitably designing and attaching the switching unit, the respective switching state can be used to identify in particular whether the attachment is present and / or whether it is properly attached in the correct position.Attaching the attachment to the receiving part is understood to mean, in particular, mechanically placing it on the receiving part, or alternatively, inserting it, pushing it in or any other suitable placement on the receiving part.

[0053] In a practical design, a respective sensor device is configured to distinguish between different attachments. The respective sensor is specifically designed to capture different information, especially position information. Using the sensor and the transponder, not only a single feature or piece of information is retrieved and checked, but multiple properties and pieces of information are checked. The sensor is specifically configured to check various properties of the attachment, such as shape, orientation, etc.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving part is also designed to accommodate differently shaped attachments. This means that universal receiving parts can be used for various types of attachments, into which the different attachments can then be inserted and checked. Especially when the sensor is designed as a switching unit, this preferably has several switches, each of which emits a (digital) position signal. These individual switches are distributed, for example, across the receiving part and are activated differently depending on the different shapes of the attachments. This therefore makes it easier to differentiate between the attachments.

[0055] For this purpose, in a preferred embodiment, the switching states of the various switches can be read independently of one another. The switches are, in particular, electrically connected in parallel. Each switch therefore transmits an individual position signal to the transponder; each switch is therefore connected, for example, to a respective input of the transponder. The different position information of the individual switches is then transmitted during transmission to the reader.

[0056] This measure with the multiple switches generally ensures the determination of the correct positioning, especially with universally designed receiving parts.

[0057] According to a further embodiment, the switches are electrically connected in series, thus forming a combined switching unit that has only two switching states: closed and open. For example, for the closed switching state, all switches must be in the same switching state (closed). This type of configuration is particularly advantageous when only one input is available on the electronic unit (RFID chip).

[0058] As previously explained, the platform is specifically a platform for cable harness production, which has several mounting parts, each for a specific cable harness attachment. Each mounting part is assigned an RFID transponder. These can be differentiated from one another by suitable identifiers. This ensures that the position status of the attachment assigned to each mounting part can be individually recorded for each mounting part. During cable harness production, the attachments are typically attached when the cable harness is on the platform.

[0059] Preferably, several platforms are arranged within a production line for cable harness production. At least one RFID reader is arranged along the production line. Preferably, several RFID readers are arranged. These are preferably arranged at fixed positions, and the platforms are arranged, for example, on a conveyor system with which they are guided past the stationary RFID readers. Alternatively, the partially manufactured cable harnesses are transported by a manipulator from a platform of a first assembly station to a following platform of a subsequent assembly station.

[0060] As an alternative to arranging the RFID reader next to and outside the platform, the RFID reader is attached directly to the platform.

[0061] This generally makes in-line testing possible, so that in a production line with multiple assembly stations, the cable harness is checked for proper intermediate production. Within the production line, the cable harness is assembled successively. This means that the individual cables are successively laid according to the desired cable harness layout pattern and / or the attachments are attached at the desired locations.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, continuous inline monitoring is therefore also provided, in particular, whereby during the production of the cable harness, it is continuously checked whether the various attachments are correctly positioned. If incorrect positioning (incorrect positioning, no positioning, positioning in an incorrect position) of a component is identified, an error signal is expediently issued immediately. However, the assembler, for example, is immediately alerted and can correct the error immediately, specifically at a respective processing station on the production line. This reliably avoids complex rework measures at the end of the cable harness production.In a preferred embodiment, an evaluation unit is also provided, to which the information received from the individual transponders regarding the current position state, specifically the respective current switching state, is transmitted from the at least one RFID reader, and in particular from all RFID readers used. In this common evaluation unit, the transmitted information regarding the current position states is evaluated and preferably checked to determine whether each of them represents the correct target position state.

[0063] Alternatively, it is also possible for such a check to determine whether the correct target position is present, for example, to be performed by the respective RFID reader, which is suitably designed for this purpose. This reader then simply transmits information, for example, indicating whether the attachment is correctly positioned or not. Communication between the RFID readers and the shared evaluation unit takes place via a suitable communication and data bus, for example, via Ethernet, which is different from the communication between the transponder and the reader.

[0064] In a practical embodiment, a reader for several and in particular all transponders is arranged on one platform.

[0065] Furthermore, in a practical embodiment, a common evaluation unit is provided for the entire production line or at least for one or more platforms. The evaluation unit is, in particular, a computer, for example, with an integrated reader and at least one corresponding antenna for communication with the transponder. Alternatively, the evaluation unit is connected to one or more readers.

[0066] This shared evaluation unit is also specifically designed to perform the previously described functionality check of the sensor devices / transponders, particularly prior to testing the various attachments using position detection. The shared evaluation unit therefore specifically tests the functionality of the numerous transponders.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, a respective receiving part is assigned an optical display or signaling element, in particular an LED. This is in particular part of the sensor device.

[0068] According to a first embodiment, this optical signaling element provides an optical status signal as information about the current position (e.g., OK / NOT OK) directly at the respective receiving part. This allows immediate detection of whether the attachment is present or correctly positioned upon placement.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, a second embodiment provides for a routing path for the cable harness to be indicated by activating some of these optical signal elements. This provides guidance when laying the individual cables of the cable harness. As already described, the respective platform is designed to be universal and has a large number of sensor devices and receiving parts so that cable harnesses of different designs can be laid. During laying, individual cables are usually laid along a predetermined routing path. This routing path is indicated by the optical signal elements. This means that only some of the optical signal elements are activated, and only these illuminate.

[0070] Preferably, the optical signal elements have different lighting states, for example, different colors, brightness levels, or flashing. One lighting state (e.g., yellow) indicates the installation path, while the other lighting state (e.g., green) illuminates when the attachment is correctly positioned.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, a respective optical signal element is controlled by the respective transponder. The transponder typically has an electronic unit, e.g., a chip, which is designed to control the optical sensor element. The optical sensor element is generally formed, for example, by one or more LEDs.

[0072] Specifically, it is a passive signaling element. This means that it does not have an active power supply, such as a battery or is connected to an external power source. Rather, the energy required to operate the signaling element is extracted and generated from the RFID system—that is, from the electromagnetic field transmitted from the reader to the transponder. This allows for self-sufficient operation and a simple design.

[0073] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, which show, in simplified representations:

[0074] FIG 1 a production line for cable harness production,

[0075] FIG 2 shows a representation of a receiving part on which a cable harness with attachment part is mounted and

[0076] FIG 3 a sensor device with an RFID transponder with connected switching unit.

[0077] According to FIG 1, a production line 2 for manufacturing a cable harness 4 has several production stations or assembly stations. At each production station, a platform 6 designed as a cable table is arranged, on each of which a (partially manufactured) cable harness 4 is arranged. This usually has a cable harness 5 and attachments 16 attached thereto (cf. FIG 2). The cable harness 5 has a plurality of cables combined into a bundle and preferably a branched structure with a main strand and secondary strands branching off from it. Several receiving parts 8 are arranged on the platform 6, onto which the cable harness 4 is typically already placed according to a desired installation structure. In the exemplary embodiment, several RFID readers 10 are arranged outside the individual platforms 6 in the production line 2.Furthermore, an evaluation unit 12, formed for example by a computer, is assigned to the production line 2.

[0078] As explained in more detail below, particularly in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3, a sensor device 14 is attached to a respective receiving part 8, via which sensor device 14 detects information about the current positional state of an attachment 16. For this purpose, the sensor device 14 has an RFID transponder 18 with a switching unit 20 connected thereto as a sensor (see also FIG. 3). The switching unit 20 preferably has a plurality of individual switches 20a-20c, which are distributed on the receiving part 8 and in particular on a receiving area 26 for the attachment 16.

[0079] The information about the current position status of the respective RFID transponder 18 is retrieved via the respective RFID reader 10 and transmitted to the evaluation unit 12, in particular for further evaluation and processing.

[0080] Depending on the configuration, a respective RFID reader 10 is responsible for one or more platforms 6. The individual platforms 6 are transported, for example, together with the cable harness, from one assembly station to the next within the production line using a conveyor system. Alternatively, the platforms 6 can be stationary, and only the cable harnesses can be transported from assembly station to assembly station, for example, by picking and placing them with the help of a robot.

[0081] Through a suitable design of the RFID readers 10, their range is suitably adjusted for reading the various RFID transponders 18, so that, for example, only the RFID transponders 18 of a single assigned platform 6 or, alternatively, of multiple platforms 6 are read. An exemplary structure in the area of ​​a respective receiving part 8 is illustrated in particular with reference to FIG. 2. The platform 6 is typically a so-called cable table, which is formed by a flat plate. Mounted on this plate are a plurality of receiving parts 8, which extend vertically from the plate and form a raised mounting and support plane for the cable harness 4.

[0082] For this purpose, each receiving part 8 typically has a base part 22, a vertically extending strut 24, and the actual receiving area 26, where the attachment part 16 is positioned when the cable harness 4 is placed on the platform 6. The attachment part 16 is positioned on or in the receiving area 26.

[0083] The sensor device 14 is integrated or attached within or on the receiving part 8. This comprises the RFID transponder 18 and the switching unit 20 forming a sensor, which is connected to the RFID transponder 18. The switching unit 20 and in particular the individual switches 20a - 20c are mounted directly adjacent to the receiving area 26. The switching unit 20 is switched directly by attaching the attachment 16 to the receiving area 26. This means that the switching state changes when the device is placed on the receiving area. In the simplest case, the switching unit 20 has only a single switch 20. When the device is placed on the receiving area, for example, a switching lever or a switching pin is actuated.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the switching unit 20 comprises a plurality of switches 20a-20c. As can be seen in particular from FIG. 3, the transponder 18, and specifically an electronics unit 28, has an input 29 corresponding to each switch 20a, 20b, at which a switch signal and thus a position signal is applied and can be evaluated.

[0085] The receiving part 8, and especially the receiving area 26, are preferably designed to accommodate differently designed attachments 16, which differ specifically in terms of their shape. Depending on the shape and geometry, different switches 20a-20c are therefore activated when the attachment 16 is inserted. This enables the identification and recognition of differently designed attachments 16.

[0086] This switching state of the switching unit 20 and thus of the different individual switches 20a to 20c corresponds to a defined current position state of the attachment part 16 in relation to the receiving part 8.

[0087] This switching state of the switching unit 20 (i.e., the individual switching states of the switches 20a-20c) is queried as part of a position query initiated by the RFID reader 10. Therefore, several switch-specific position signals are queried and transmitted for the multiple switches 20a to 20c.

[0088] As specifically illustrated in FIG. 3, the RFID transponder 18 (shown here in dashed lines) comprises, in addition to the aforementioned electronics unit 28, a transponder antenna 30, via which an electromagnetic wave emitted by the reader 10 is received. The energy contained therein is used to operate the passive RFID transponder 18. The electronics unit 28 comprises, in particular, a microchip / integrated circuit (IC) and optionally an EEPROM memory.

[0089] When the RFID reader 10 queries the position, the sensor device 14 is activated, and the current position status is recorded. Specifically, the current switching state is recorded, and a corresponding sensor or position signal is generated, processed if necessary, and transmitted via the transponder antenna 30 to the RFID reader 10 as information about the current position status.

[0090] This means that the reader 10 receives information about the current position of the respective attachment 16 from all RFID transponders 18 within its reading range and forwards this information to the evaluation unit 12. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor device 14 has a common circuit board 32 on which the various components of the RFID transponder 18 are integrated. These are, in particular, the microchip or IC components, the transponder antenna 30, possibly a memory, and parts of a circuit (also as part of the IC) for determining the switching state of the switching unit 20. Furthermore, the sensor device 14 or the circuit board 32 has connections for the switching unit 20. This circuit board 32 is, in particular, a proprietary unit that is specifically adapted to the requirements and, in particular, to the reader 10. The reader 10 is, for example, a commercially available standard reader 10.

[0091] Finally, in a preferred embodiment, a signaling element, in particular an LED 34, is provided, which is preferably also arranged on the circuit board 32. This signaling element, in particular, displays optical information about the current position status of the attachment part 16.

[0092] Additionally or alternatively, a laying path is displayed via the LEDs 34 of the various sensor devices 14.

[0093] The following aspects are of particular importance in the testing system presented here:

[0094] As can be seen from FIG. 1, several platforms 6, for example, 4-20 platforms 6, are often used within a production line 2. The individual platforms 6 preferably pass successively through a (test or work) station. Each platform 6 has a plurality of sensor devices 14 and thus transponders 18. The platforms 6 can be used universally for differently designed cable harnesses 4. Therefore, several thousand transponders can be used in a production line 2.

[0095] The decisive factor here is that the functionality of the transponders 18 and thus of the sensor devices 14 is ensured. The system described here is now configured to perform a check of the functionality of the various transponders 18, particularly prior to a position query.

[0096] For this purpose, as part of a test query, the reader 10 transmits a signal to the transponder 18, and its response is evaluated. It should be emphasized that, in conjunction with the switching unit 20 described above, a response signal (e.g., switching state 0 or switching state 1) is always transmitted to the reader, and this response is used to recognize that both the transmission path between the reader 10 and the transponder 18 is functioning and that the transponder 18 is fundamentally ready for operation. The transponder 18 and the electronics unit 28 (transponder chip) integrated therein therefore always transmit a feedback signal. If the reader does not receive such a signal, it is assumed that the transmission path or the transponder 18 is defective, and an error signal is output.

[0097] The testing of the operational readiness of the various transponders 18 is carried out in particular with the aid of the central evaluation unit 12 shown in FIG 1.

[0098] There are different options for checking the correct position of the individual attachments 16 in the receiving parts 8:

[0099] According to a first variant, it is provided that each (testing or assembly) station (workstation) of a production line is assigned an evaluation unit 12.

[0100] The verification is performed, for example, in several steps. For example, the verification is initiated manually or, alternatively, automatically, i.e., when a platform 6 reaches the station. Preferably, the first step is to check which of the transponders 18 are within the reading range of the reader 10, each of which is assigned to an individual station. This identifies, for example, the transponders 18 located on the platform 6.

[0101] In an expedient embodiment, subsequently or independently of this first step, it is checked which transponders 18 are relevant for the current cable set 4 and need to be checked.

[0102] Preferably, at least these transponders 18 are tested for their functionality.

[0103] Finally, in a subsequent step, the data (position information) of these previously identified transponders 18 are read out and compared, for example, with a stored layout specification for this current cable harness 4. In particular, it is checked whether the respective relevant receptacles 18 are each occupied by an attachment 16, if necessary, whether receptacles 8 are free as required, i.e., do not have any incorrect assignments, and furthermore, for example, whether the number of attachments is correct, etc.

[0104] According to an alternative second variant, continuous monitoring is provided, in particular of the complete production line 2 with all associated transponders 18.

[0105] In particular, it is checked whether all 18 transponders are present and operational. Operational readiness is preferably documented.

[0106] Based on the information about which transponders are located on which platform 6 and the information about the current location of each platform 6 (i.e., in which station), inline monitoring of the assembly work is carried out. If errors are identified (incorrect assignment of a receiving part, missing positioning, incorrect positioning, etc.), an error signal is immediately displayed, for example, directly at the respective station, so that the errors can be corrected directly at that station. This avoids costly rework.

[0107] It should also be emphasized that in the preferred embodiment, not only one feature or only one switching state (position signal) is checked with the respective transponder 18, but that several properties are checked in parallel via the attachment part 16.

[0108] In particular, the previously described switching unit 20 with the multiple switches 20a to 20c is provided for this purpose. This creates and also utilizes the possibility of testing different attachments 16, for example, different clips. Specifically, different properties of these attachments 16, such as shape, type, orientation, etc., are tested.

[0109] To accommodate these different attachments 16, the receiving part 8 is designed as a universal receiving part 8, which allows the accommodation of different types of attachments 16. Overall, the platform 6 is therefore also designed as a universal platform 6, which is used for differently designed cable sets 4.

[0110] This universal design of the platform 6 and in particular of the receiving parts 8 keeps costs low and also the space requirement.

[0111] The simultaneous query of various features / information / positions made possible by this means that overall costs are kept low.

[0112] By querying the switching states of the individual switches 20a - 20c in parallel, faulty installation can be identified and localized. For example, open locking tabs on the cable ducts can be detected. With correct installation, for example, a corresponding locking tab is positioned such that a corresponding switch 20a - 20c is actuated. Another special aspect can be seen in the optical display element 34. This is, in particular, a component of the sensor device 14. The display element 34 is expediently also controlled by the RFID system and specifically by the transponder 18 / electronic unit 28.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment, the various display elements 34 generally display visual information on the platform 6. For example, an error in the position status of the attachment 16 is indicated. However, additional information can also be displayed, such as a specific cable harness layout, so that a routing path is displayed as an assembly aid.

[0114] In addition, information for maintenance or commissioning of the entire system can also be displayed.

[0115] Specifically, for example, 8 different LEDs 34 (display elements) are arranged per receiving part, and / or different information is displayed by appropriately controlling a respective LED 34. For example, modulation (e.g., pulse width modulation) is used, causing the LED 34 to flash (slow, fast, etc.). Energy consumption can also be kept low through appropriate modulation.

[0116] Preferably, the energy required to operate the LED 34 (optical signal element) is also obtained from the electromagnetic field which is transmitted from the reader 20 to the transponder 18.

[0117] The (test) system described here achieves a high level of overall system reliability, particularly through the check of the operational readiness of the transponders 18 carried out prior to a position query. Furthermore, the large number of transponders 18 and, in particular, the inline monitoring during assembly enable rapid error identification, which allows for prompt error correction. Also noteworthy is the query of multiple properties, which increases overall flexibility. Overall, the described system avoids or reduces downtimes in production line 2, as errors are detected quickly and early and can be corrected, for example, even during ongoing operation. In particular, false errors (pseudo-errors) are largely avoided.

[0118] The possibility of querying multiple pieces of information from the attachments 16 makes it possible to have universal sensor devices 14 / receiving parts 8 and thus platforms 6, thereby keeping the costs for the system described here low.

[0119] List of reference symbols

[0120] 2 production lines

[0121] 4 cable set

[0122] 5 Cable harness

[0123] 6 Platform

[0124] 8 Recording part

[0125] 10 RFID readers

[0126] 12 Evaluation unit

[0127] 14 Sensor device

[0128] 16 Attachment

[0129] 18 RFID transponders

[0130] 20 switching unit

[0131] 20a-20c switch

[0132] 22 Footboard

[0133] 24 strut

[0134] 26 Recording area

[0135] 28 Electronic unit

[0136] 29 Entrance

[0137] 30 Transponder antenna

[0138] 32 circuit board

[0139] 34 LED

Claims

Claims 1 . Method for testing a cable harness (4) which has a cable harness (5) and at least one attachment (16) such as a plug or a fastening element, wherein the cable harness (4) is mounted on a platform (6) which has a receiving part (8) for the attachment (16), wherein a sensor device (14) is arranged on the receiving part (8) and is designed to detect a positional state of the attachment (16), characterized in that the sensor device (14) has a passive RFID transponder (18), and in that when a position query is carried out by an associated RFID reader (10), information about the current positional state of the attachment (16) is detected.

2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the information about the current position status is transmitted to the RFID reader (10).

3. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that when the position is queried by the RFID reader (10), the sensor device (14) is activated in order to detect the current position state.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information about the current position state is stored in a writable memory of the RFID transponder (18).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which a plurality of sensor devices (14) are mounted on the platform (6) and the operational readiness of the sensor devices (14) and in particular of the RFID transponders (18) is checked in particular before the position query, in particular before the cable set (4) is laid on the platform (6).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which a plurality of sensor devices (14) is present and, based on the cable set (4) currently to be tested, it is checked which of the sensor devices (14) must currently be used for the position query and / or whether all required sensor devices (14) are present 7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (14) has a sensor for detecting the current position state, wherein the sensor is preferably designed to detect a plurality of information items, in particular a plurality of position information items, and the transponder (18) is correspondingly designed to detect a plurality of different sensor signals.

8. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sensor is a switching unit (20) with several, for example two and in particular more than two switching states, wherein each switching state corresponds to a defined position state.

9. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sensor is arranged on the receiving part (8) and by attaching the attachment part (16) to the receiving part (8) the switching state of the switching unit (20) is changed.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform (6) is a platform (6) for cable harness production with a plurality of receiving parts (8) for each attachment part (16) of the cable harness (4), wherein each receiving part (8) is assigned an RFID transponder (18).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several platforms (6) are arranged in a production line (2) and at least one and preferably several RFID readers (10) are arranged along the production line (2).

12. Method according to the preceding claim, in which continuous inline monitoring is carried out and an error signal is immediately output in the event of incorrect positioning of an attachment part (16).

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an evaluation unit (12) is provided to which the RFID reader (10) transmits the information about the current position status.

14. Device for testing a cable set (4) which has a cable harness (5) and at least one attachment (16) such as a plug or a fastening element, - with a platform (6) which has a receiving part (8) for the attachment part (16), - with a sensor device (14) for detecting a position state of the attachment part (16) on the receiving part (8), characterized in that - the sensor device (14) comprises a passive RFID transponder (18) and an associated RFID reader (10), and that - in response to a position query of the RFID reader (10), information about a current position status of the attachment (16) is detected and in particular transmitted to the RFID reader (10).

15. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sensor device (14) is designed to detect the current position state when the RFID reader (10) queries the position.

16. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the RFID transponder (18) is connected to a sensor which is designed in particular as a switching unit (20).

17. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the RFID transponder (18) is arranged separately from the sensor.

18. Device according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the sensor device (14) is designed to distinguish between different attachments (16).

19. Device according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the receiving part (8) is designed to receive differently designed attachments (16).

20. Device according to one of claims 14 to 19 and according to claim 16, characterized in that the switching unit (20) has a plurality of switches (20a-20c). 21 . Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the switching states of the various switches (20a-20c) can be read out independently of one another and thereby in particular a distinction between different attachments (16), in particular between differently shaped attachments (16) is made possible and takes place during operation.

22. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the switches (20a-20c) are connected in series and a combined switching unit (20) is formed with the switching states closed and open.

23. Device according to one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that the RFID transponder (18) is attached to the receiving part (8) and the sensor is designed such that a state of the sensor is changed by attaching the attachment part (16) to the receiving part (8).

24. Device according to one of claims 14 to 23, characterized in that several platforms (6) are arranged in a production line (2) for cable harness production, each platform (6) having several receiving parts (8) with associated RFID transponders (18) and that along the production line (2) at least one and preferably several RFID readers (10) are arranged, which are preferably designed to To transmit information from the RFID transponders (18) about the various current position states to an evaluation unit (12).

25. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein a common evaluation unit (20) is provided for the entire production line (2) or for one or more platforms and thus for a plurality of the sensor devices (14).

26. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the common evaluation unit (20) is designed to check the operational readiness of the plurality of sensor devices (14).

27. Device according to one of claims 14 to 26, characterized in that an optical signal element (34) is assigned to the receiving part (8), in particular as part of the sensor device (14), which outputs optical information about the current position state of the attachment part (16).

28. Device according to one of claims 14 to 27, characterized in that a plurality of receiving parts are arranged on the platform, that an optical signal element (34) is assigned to each receiving part (8), and that a laying path for the cable set is displayed by controlling some of the optical signal elements.

29. Device according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the optical signal element (34) is controlled by the transponder (18) and is designed in particular as a passive signal element (34).

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