Apparatus, monitoring system and related methods for monitoring the assembly of components

Abstract

An apparatus for monitoring the assembly of parts, comprising a structure-borne sound sensor (3) designed to detect structure-borne sound and generate a sensor signal that can be processed in signal acquisition electronics (6), the structure-borne sound sensor (3) being attached to a finger cap (2) that can be inserted onto a finger of a user performing the assembly, or that can be inserted onto or attached to a gloved finger. Further described are a monitoring system (9) and a method for monitoring the assembly of parts.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring the assembly of components, the apparatus comprising a structure-borne sound sensor designed to detect structure-borne sound and generate a sensor signal that can be processed in signal acquisition electronics. [Background technology]

[0002] In manual processes, e.g., an insertion process, the part to be inserted is manually grasped with fingers or mechanically grasped with a gripper arm or gripper hand. Such processes and activities can be recognized based on their structure-borne sound intensity signature (temporal data flow) and spectral signature (frequency content) and evaluated for completeness, origin, and quality. This is best if the signals are recorded with low interference and as little loss as possible for a given resolution. This requires the widest possible sensitivity range in terms of frequency and sound dynamics.

[0003] A device for monitoring the assembly of components is known from DE 103 08 403 A1. This document proposes monitoring the assembly of components using a sound sensor that detects sound signals generated during the assembly of the components. The sound signals are converted into measurement signals and fed to an evaluation unit for evaluation. A metal insert in the glove serves as a sound bridge extending from the fingertip to the sound sensor, which is integrated into the glove. However, such gloves with sound sensors wear out relatively quickly and must therefore sometimes be replaced after a few hours. Because the sound sensor is permanently integrated into the glove, the cost of monitoring the assembly is significant due to its short service life. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the problem of providing a device for monitoring the assembly of parts, which allows lower costs to be achieved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To solve this problem, devices of the type described above are provided with a structure-borne sound sensor mounted on a finger cap that can be plugged onto the assembly user's finger or plugged or stuck onto a gloved finger.

[0006] The present invention is based on the idea that the useful life of a structure-borne sound sensor can be significantly extended if the sensor is not permanently attached to or integrated into the glove, in which case, for example, if the glove on which the structure-borne sound sensor is attached needs to be replaced, the same structure-borne sound sensor can be reused.

[0007] According to the present invention, the structure-borne sound sensor can be preferably removably attached to the finger cap. In this case, the finger cap itself can be replaced and replaced as needed, without the need to replace the structure-borne sound sensor. When the finger cap becomes worn, only the finger cap is replaced, and the same structure-borne sound sensor is attached to the new finger cap. A variant of the device according to the present invention provides that the electrical cable or conductor track (connected to the sensor in a detachable or non-detachable manner) can be removably attached to the glove. This means that the entire system integrated into the glove can be recycled or reused, except for the fingertip portion, which is a consumable part. Ideally, the structure-borne sound sensor can be directly reused by simply placing it on the hand or glove. Removable fastening can be achieved, for example, using a clamp connection or a hook-and-loop fastener (Velcro® fastener).

[0008] The structure-borne sound sensor can also be arranged on or in a carrier that can be attached to the finger cap in a force-fit and / or form-fit and / or material-fit manner. The carrier can, for example, be designed as a frame that is securely connected to the finger cap. The structure-borne sound sensor itself can be connected to the frame in a form-fit manner or directly to the finger cap.

[0009] In the present specification, the device preferably comprises multiple structure-borne sound sensors attached to the same finger cap or multiple finger caps. The device preferably comprises two or three structure-borne sound sensors, preferably capable of operating simultaneously, in which case several structure-borne sound sensors can be operated in parallel with redundancy.

[0010] The device can then generate a sensor signal that preferably corresponds to the sum of the additively superimposed signals of the individual structure-borne sound sensors, thus compensating for the failure of a single structure-borne sound sensor.

[0011] Preferably, a coupling medium can be placed between the finger cap and the structure-borne sound sensor. The detachable coupling medium preferably includes wax or hot-melt adhesive. This improves acoustic and mechanical coupling between the structure-borne sound sensor and the surface of the finger cap. If the finger cap is made of a textile material, the coupling medium can cover only one or more portions of the finger cap. Preferably, the detachable coupling medium allows the finger cap to stretch, allowing it to accommodate fingers of different sizes. This results in improved impedance matching and reduced signal loss. The coupling medium can also be designed as a framework made of a structure-borne sound-conductive material (e.g., a slightly thick plastic material or metal filaments), as a monolithic framework made of a plastic material, or as additional reinforcement using a knit pattern. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling medium can include an elastic material, such as a hot-melt adhesive, silicone, polyurethane, or rubber.

[0012] Preferably, the finger caps are made from a woven or knitted material. Preferably, the finger caps have breathable openings at the fingertips. The breathable openings result from the texture or fabric structure of the woven or knitted material. This may be an abrasion-resistant fabric, such as aramid, with woven metal or plastic filaments.

[0013] The finger caps may be tubular and have openings for the fingertips. Tubular finger caps that open at the fingertips can also be made from a wear-resistant fabric, such as aramid, with woven metal or plastic filaments.

[0014] A bonding layer can also be provided on the finger cap in the area of ​​the contact surface with the attached part. When the attached part is gripped, this bonding layer elastically deforms to locally conform to the part surface, thus creating a larger contact surface, i.e., a bonding surface for structure-borne sound with the part. For example, a bonding surface can be created by impregnating a finger cap made of fabric (e.g., polyamide, aramid, polyester, etc.) with an elastomeric material such as silicone, polyurethane, or rubber, with or without the additional structure-borne sound filaments described above. Preferably, this elastic bonding surface surrounds the entire outer finger cap surface. Preferably, the elastic bonding surface covers the edge of the finger cap, making the edge intangible. For example, the edge transition to the glove can be completely smoothed by a tapered area of ​​the elastic layer protruding above the edge. The finger cap itself can be made of hard plastic covered with elastomeric plastic. However, the plastic cap can also be made entirely of elastomeric plastic.

[0015] The finger cap can also have one or more openings positioned so that the user's finger is partially covered and partially exposed, preferably with the fingertip exposed. This design minimizes limitations on fingertip detection sensitivity and provides optimal structure-borne sound coupling between the object (e.g., a plug) and the structure-borne sound sensor. Thus, the user can directly touch the object because the fingertip is uncovered. Sound generated when attaching an object such as a plug is transmitted to the structure-borne sound sensor through the finger cap.

[0016] For ease of use, the structure-borne sound sensor and signal acquisition electronics may be provided connectable or connected via an elastic electrical cable or lead wire, which preferably has an elastic elongation of 5% to 20%. Furthermore, the evaluation unit may optionally be connected to the signal acquisition electronics via, for example, a stretchable electrical cable. However, the evaluation unit is preferably coupled to the signal acquisition electronics via a wireless connection. The electrical cable may be laid or fixed, for example, to the back of the user's hand or in, on, or on the surface of a glove, for example, by a removable or non-removable adhesive bond. The electrical cable may also be attached to or incorporated within a preferably ergonomic and durable carrier device (i.e., a cable carrier), which is removably attached to the hand or glove. The adhesive bond may have an elastic elongation of 5% to 20%, similar to that of a stretchable electrical cable. The cable is preferably elastically stretchable, so that its length can elastically expand and contract like a spring when the user's hand and / or fingers are moved. The electrical cable may be designed as a twisted pair cable and may have one or more shielded cables. The electrical cable may have an elastically stretchable plastic as a carrier material for the conductive material.

[0017] Alternatively, a tear-resistant wire (e.g., steel wire) can be used as an electric cable or conductor track. This can preferably be an insulated wire. The tear-resistant wire is preferably sewn onto a robust, skin-friendly woven or knitted fabric carrier with a conductive filament for shielding. The ends of the tear-resistant wire, and possibly also the conductive filament, are connected to contacts on the sensor on the one hand and to contacts in the holder on the other hand. The sensor is connected via two electrodes and a shield. The tear-resistant wire is preferably connected by splicing.

[0018] The sewn-in conductor tracks can also be arranged between two textile layers, namely a carrier layer and a cover layer, which can for example be glued onto the carrier layer.

[0019] For mechanical stabilization, a transition to the sensor element can be encapsulated in a casting material (e.g., hot melt adhesive), and the transition can be removably reinserted into the polymer structure of the finger cap. Alternatively, the transition can be permanently bonded to the finger cap using hot melt adhesive.

[0020] A preferred further development of the present invention provides a signal acquisition electronics device comprising an amplifier, an A / D converter, a signal processing unit, and preferably a transceiver device. The signal acquisition electronics can be placed on the user's hand, for example, or integrated into a glove. Preferably, the signal acquisition electronics can be connected to an ergonomic and durable carrier device, which also includes an electrical cable and can be detachably attached to the hand. The signal acquisition electronics functions as a charge amplifier with adjustable filter characteristics, an A / D converter, and a ring buffer with a high-pass or band-pass trigger. The trigger is activated by a digitally high-pass or band-pass filtered signal, while the unfiltered digitized raw signal within the trigger window is transmitted. The charge amplifier improves the quality of the electronic signal, and preferably also includes an analog band-pass filter, which amplifies weak high-frequency components more than low-frequency components or amplifies signal frequencies within a usable frequency band and weakens and / or attenuates frequencies beyond that. After converting the analog sensor signal of the structure-borne sound sensor in the A / D converter, the digital burst signal is transmitted to an internal or external evaluation unit where signal processing takes place. The evaluation unit can distinguish whether the corresponding assembly process was performed correctly or incorrectly. Surprisingly, it is also possible to determine which of the various connectors were just plugged in. This allows manual sequences to be recorded and the additional information obtained can be used to ensure seamless traceability.

[0021] Monitoring the plugging process of electric cables is only one example of an application of the device according to the invention. It can also be used for other assembly processes, such as plugging in cables, inserting clips or assembling snap-in mechanisms. What these processes have in common is that the assembly quality can be inferred from the recorded acoustic events. The device according to the invention can be used for manual processes, but also for automated manufacturing processes, for example those carried out by machines, robotic arms or robots.

[0022] The signal acquisition electronics are preferably located on a wristband that can be worn by the user, such that the wristband does not interfere with the user as they perform the assembly process.

[0023] It is particularly preferred that a receptacle for the signal acquisition electronics is provided so that the signal acquisition electronics can be removably attached as a unit directly to the glove, for example at the back of the hand.

[0024] For this purpose, a receptacle for the removably attachable signal acquisition electronics is arranged in or on the glove, or in or on a carrier device (cable carrier) that can be removably attached to the hand or glove, the holder having the function of fixing the signal acquisition electronics and establishing electrical contact with the wiring and thus the sensor element, and preferably also being removable from the glove for recharging and reuse after recharging.

[0025] The electrical contact can be made, for example, by means of a plug connector or by means of spring contacts on one side (e.g., on the side of the signal acquisition electronics) and a contact surface or contact socket on the other side (e.g., on the side of the receptacle). The receptacle is preferably connected to the glove or the receptacle is preferably connected to a carrier device (cable carrier) that can be attached to the glove or hand in a force-fit and / or material-fit manner.

[0026] For its part, the receptacle is provided with corresponding electrical contact surfaces or contact points, thereby establishing a connection to the structure-borne sound sensor via a conductor track, which may be integrated into the glove, or attached to the glove, or attached to or contained in a carrier device (cable carrier) that can be removably attached to the hand or glove.

[0027] The housed signal acquisition electronics can be secured in this holder by force and / or form fit (detachable snap-in connection), or preferably by means of a magnetic catch. The holder is designed so that the signal acquisition electronics can be easily removed but cannot fall out.

[0028] The present invention also relates to a monitoring system comprising a transceiver device designed to communicate with an apparatus of the type described above, to evaluate information received from the apparatus (related to the assembly process) in an evaluation unit, and to transmit feedback to the apparatus. The transceiver device functions as a central server or as a gateway connected to a central server, where information related to the evaluated assembly process is collected. The transceiver device also has the function of evaluating the evaluated sensor signals and, in particular, determining whether the sensor signals are within acceptable limits. The monitoring system comprises a central transceiver device and one or more apparatuses for monitoring the assembly of parts. Several or many individual apparatuses worn by users can thus be assigned to a central transceiver device.

[0029] The evaluation unit is preferably arranged in the monitoring system. However, it is also conceivable in principle that the evaluation unit can be arranged decentrally, near the finger cap, for example in the glove, or in or on a carrier device (cable carrier) that can be detachably attached to the hand or glove. In particular, the evaluation unit can be arranged in the same module housing together with the signal acquisition electronics. In this case, the evaluation unit will only transmit the information "OK" or "Not OK" to the monitoring system. In addition to or instead of "OK", the evaluation unit can also transmit the detected plug type to the monitoring system.

[0030] The invention also relates to a method for monitoring the assembly of parts using an apparatus of the type described and / or a monitoring system of the type described, said apparatus comprising a structure-borne sound sensor attached to a finger cap placed on the finger of a user performing the assembly or placed on or glued to a gloved finger.

[0031] The device can have one or more structure-borne sound sensors. Similarly, the device can have one or more finger caps that can be worn on one or more fingers or that can be worn on or adhered to one or more gloved fingers.

[0032] According to the present invention, the device is capable of generating a sensor signal that is composed of multiple superimposed signals from individual structure-borne sound sensors.

[0033] A further development of the invention provides that the evaluation unit is designed to evaluate the sensor signals on the basis of an artificial neural network.

[0034] Preferably, in the method according to the invention, the transmitting / receiving device is able to evaluate information received from the apparatus related to the assembly process and send feedback to the apparatus. Preferably, the feedback can be output by the device as an acoustic and / or tactile and / or optical signal. In this way, the user receives immediate feedback as to whether the assembly process has been performed correctly or not. If the assembly process is incorrect, the assembly process can be repeated to ensure an error-free assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] The invention will now be described in terms of several embodiments with reference to the drawings, which are schematic representations. [Figure 1A] 1 is a first embodiment of the invention in which several devices according to the invention are attached to a glove. [Figure 1B] This is a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Detail of the finger cap. [Figure 3] 3 is a further view of the finger cap shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] Detail of a glove with finger caps. [Figure 5] A carrier equipped with a structure-borne sound sensor. [Figure 6] Signal acquisition electronics attached to a wristband. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the wristband shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of a monitoring system according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a glove 1 that can be worn on a user's hand. The glove 1 includes three finger caps 2 attached to the glove 1, each partially covering the end of a finger. Each finger cap 2 includes a structure-borne sound sensor 3 attached to a carrier 4. The carrier 4 has a frame to which the structure-borne sound sensor 3 can be attached, either detachably or non-detachably. The carrier 4 is attached to the finger cap 2 using a force-fit and / or form-fit method. Each structure-borne sound sensor 3 is connected to signal acquisition electronics 6 via a flexible electrical cable 5. The cable 5 is elastically stretchable, with an elongation of 5% to 20%, and in the illustrated embodiment, 10%. The cable 5 also deforms accordingly as the user's hand or fingers move, allowing it to easily follow the movement. Because the cable 5 is made of an elastic material, it can return to its original size and shape once the tensile load is removed. In other embodiments, a stretchable conductor track can be used instead of a cable. Such stretchable conductive tracks can be easily placed on the back of a user's hand, in a glove, or in a removable carrier that can be removably attached to the hand or the back of the glove. The elastic cable or conductor track acts like a spring with a restoring effect, which mechanically deforms again after deflection. The elastic conductor track can consist of an etched copper track or a screen-printed conductive conductor track (e.g., based on silver conductive paint or conductive polymer), which is attached to the elastic carrier material. For each structure-borne sound sensor, the bipolar signal conductor pair is laid in a serpentine pattern in one or two planes, forming a two-dimensional twisted-pair cable. However, the expandable electrical cable can also run parallel and straight in one or two planes.

[0037] The glove 1 shown in FIG. 1A is optional, but in principle the device could also be used such that one or more finger caps 2 (each of which has a structure-borne sound sensor 3) are worn like a thimble and connected to signal acquisition electronics 6 via a cable 5.

[0038] The signal acquisition electronics 6 are contained within a modular housing attached to a wristband 8. The wristband 8 encircles the user's wrist. A cable 5 connects to both the structure-borne sound sensor 3 and the signal acquisition electronics 6 via plug contacts.

[0039] FIG. 1B shows an embodiment similar to FIG. 1A, with corresponding components designated by the same reference numerals. Glove 1 includes finger cap 2 equipped with carrier 4 and structure-borne sound sensor 3. Each structure-borne sound sensor 3 can be connected via cable 5 to a receptacle 12 for detachable signal acquisition electronics 6. When inserted into receptacle 12, signal acquisition electronics 6 are electrically connected to receptacle 12 via electrical contacts such as plugs, sockets, or pins. In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, signal acquisition electronics 6 are located directly on the outside of glove 1 via receptacle 12. When signal acquisition electronics 6 is inserted into receptacle 12, it is mechanically activated and when removed, it is switched off. The switched-on state is signaled by a corresponding light indicator.

[0040] 2 and 3 show details of the finger cap 2, with FIG. 2 showing a perspective view and FIG. 3 showing a bottom view. The finger cap 2 includes several rounded sections 7 extending to its underside. However, the underside of the fingers is recessed, i.e., the sections 7 have continuous openings on the underside and are exposed. This allows the user to feel objects, such as plugs, under the fingers without impairing tactile sensation. The corresponding assembly process, e.g., the insertion of a plug into a socket, can be tactilely monitored by the user. The design shown in FIG. 2 with three winged sections 7 is merely an example.

[0041] For example, variations are possible in which only one or two lateral wing sections 7 are present. A common feature of all versions is to maximize sound conductivity while minimizing the fingertip sensitivity limitations. Therefore, when contacting an object, the finger cap 2 is designed at the fingertip so that a portion of the finger cap 2 is always in direct contact with the object. Alternatively, indirect contact with the object is also possible when the user is wearing gloves.

[0042] FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of a glove 1 with a finger cap 2 attached. The structure-borne sound sensor 3, attached to a carrier 4, is located on top of the finger cap 2. The finger cap 2 is replaceable. It can be designed to be held on the glove 1 by friction alone. However, it can also be attached to the glove 1 using an adhesive. The finger cap is attached to prevent slippage during assembly. The finger cap can be designed to be removable, but can also be attached to the glove in a non-detachable manner. The structure-borne sound sensor 3 can also be reusable, either alone or with the carrier 4. Thus, the finger cap 2 is the only attachment part. Therefore, the finger cap 2, or the glove 1 with or without the finger cap 2, can be easily and inexpensively replaced. The expensive, and therefore preferably replaceable, part is the structure-borne sound sensor 3 with its cable and signal acquisition electronics 6. The receptacle 12 is also preferably reusable. However, the carrier device (not shown here) for the electronics holder and cable or lead, which can be removably attached to the hand or glove, is also preferably reusable. The glove 1 and finger caps 2 are wear parts and are relatively inexpensive.

[0043] Figure 5 shows a carrier 4 with a structure-borne sound sensor 3. The carrier 4, which can be attached to a finger cap 2, is essentially rectangular in shape. It has an opening for a plug-in cable 5, which connects the structure-borne sound sensor 3 to signal acquisition electronics 6. On its upper side, the carrier 4 has a frame for snapping and / or gluing the structure-borne sound sensor 3 into place. The underside of the structure-borne sound sensor 3 has electrical contacts that connect to opposite electrical contacts in the frame of the carrier 4 when the structure-borne sound sensor 3 is inserted into the carrier 4.

[0044] Because the carrier 4 is directly attached to the finger cap 2, the transmission path for structure-borne sound is minimal, while the signal yield is maximized. For example, when a plug is inserted into a socket, the signal that can be detected by the structure-borne sound sensor 3 reaches the structure-borne sound sensor 3 with low loss and wide bandwidth.

[0045] A contact surface exists between the carrier 4 with the snap-on and / or adhesive structure-borne sound sensor 3 and the finger cap 2. The contact surface is enlarged by a comb- or tooth-shaped interlocking surface structure. In this way, impedance jumps caused by air gaps are minimized. A bonding medium, such as wax or hot melt adhesive, is applied to the contact surface between the carrier 4 with the snap-on and / or adhesive structure-borne sound sensor 3 and the finger cap 2. The bonding medium improves impedance matching and reduces signal loss.

[0046] Figure 6 shows the signal acquisition electronics 6 attached to a wristband 8, which can be worn like a watch strap. On the side of the module where the signal acquisition electronics 6 is located, facing the finger, exits a cable 5 with a plug, which connects the structure-borne sound sensor 3 to the signal acquisition electronics 6. The wristband and cable can also take the form of a detachable and attachable carrier device (not shown here).

[0047] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, showing in cross section a wristband 8 equipped with signal acquisition electronics 6. The signal acquisition electronics 6 comprises an amplifier, an A / D converter, a signal processing unit, and a transmitting / receiving device. A rechargeable battery is also integrated. The amplifier is connected to an analog band-pass filter to improve the signal quality. The band-pass filter is designed so that higher signal frequencies (with smaller amplitudes) within the measurement range are amplified more than lower frequencies (with larger amplitudes). The band-pass filter can consist of various active and / or passive filters of first or higher order. The amplifier and band-pass filter are preferably designed so that frequencies below the useful signal of interest and above the Nyquist frequency (half the sampling frequency) are attenuated to an extent that neither clipping nor aliasing effects occur.

[0048] 8 shows a schematic representation of a monitoring system 9 with a transmitting / receiving device 10, designed to communicate with several devices of the type described above, each equipped with signal acquisition electronics 6. The monitoring system 9 comprises an evaluation unit 11 in which information relating to the assembly process transmitted by one of the monitoring systems 9 is evaluated. The evaluation unit 11 determines whether the assembly step has been performed correctly or not. If it is determined that the assembly has not been performed correctly, visual and / or acoustic and / or tactile feedback is provided to the user so that the user can correct the incorrect assembly process or repeat the assembly process. The entire assembly process is stored by the evaluation unit 11 for documentation purposes. The sensor signals are evaluated based on an artificial neural network. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1. Gloves 2 Finger Caps 3. Structure-borne sound sensor 4. Career 5 Cable 6...Signal acquisition electronics 7 Section 8. Wristbands 9. Surveillance System 10. Transmitting and receiving device 11. Evaluation unit 12···Receptacle

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for monitoring the assembly of parts, comprising a structure-borne sound sensor (3) designed to detect structure-borne sound and generate a sensor signal that can be evaluated in signal acquisition electronics (6), said structure-borne sound sensor (3) being attached to a finger cap (2) that can be inserted onto a finger of a user performing said assembly, or that can be inserted onto or attached to a gloved finger.

2. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the structure-borne sound sensor (3) is removably attachable to the finger cap (2).

3. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the structure-borne sound sensor (3) is arranged on or in a carrier (4) that can be attached to the finger cap (2) in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner.

4. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a plurality of structure-borne sound sensors (3), which are attached to the same finger cap (2) or to a plurality of finger caps (2), preferably there are two or three structure-borne sound sensors (3), and more preferably they can operate simultaneously.

5. 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the device is designed to generate a sensor signal consisting of a plurality of superimposed signals from the individual structure-borne sound sensors (3).

6. 6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a coupling medium is arranged between the finger cap (2) and the structure-borne sound sensor (3), the coupling medium being preferably wax or hot melt adhesive.

7. 7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the finger cap (2) comprises one or more openings arranged so that the user's fingers are partly covered and partly exposed, preferably so that the fingertips are exposed.

8. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the finger caps are made of a woven or knitted material and preferably have breathable openings at the fingertips.

9. 9. The device of claim 7 or 8, wherein the finger cap is tubular and has an opening for the fingertip.

10. 10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the structure-borne sound sensor (3) and the signal acquisition electronics (6) can be or are connected via a stretchable electric cable (5), preferably the electric cable having an elastic elongation of 5% to 20%.

11. 11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal acquisition electronics (6) comprises an amplifier, an A / D converter, a signal processing unit and preferably a transmitting / receiving device (10) and / or a dispersion evaluation unit.

12. 12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the signal acquisition electronics (6) are removably mounted in or on a wristband (8), or in or on a glove, or in or on a wearable device that is detachable from the wristband (8) or glove and capable of accommodating a cable, preferably detachable for charging an energy storage device.

13. A monitoring system (9) comprising a transceiver device (10) designed to communicate with an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and in an evaluation unit (11) for evaluating information related to the assembly process received from said apparatus and for sending feedback to said apparatus.

14. 14. A method for monitoring the assembly of parts using a device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or a monitoring system (9) according to claim 13, wherein the device comprises a structure-borne sound sensor (3) that detects structure-borne sound and generates a sensor signal that can be evaluated in signal acquisition electronics (6), the structure-borne sound sensor (3) being attached to a finger cap (2) that can be inserted onto a finger of a user performing the assembly or that can be inserted onto or attached to a gloved finger.

15. 15. The monitoring method according to claim 14, wherein the device generates a sensor signal consisting of a plurality of superimposed signals from the individual structure-borne sound sensors (3).

16. 16. Monitoring method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the signal acquisition electronics (6) is designed to evaluate the sensor signals on the basis of an artificial neural network.

17. 17. The monitoring method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the transceiver device (10) evaluates information related to the assembly process received from an apparatus and transmits feedback to said apparatus.

18. 18. The monitoring method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the feedback transmitted by the transceiver device is output by the apparatus as an acoustic and / or optical and / or tactile signal.

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