System for inspecting coupling state of connector and method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for inspecting the coupling state of a connector and a method thereof, the system comprising: signal detection units mounted on a user's fingers to detect a plurality of assembly signals transmitted to the user's fingers when coupling a connector; a pattern data generation unit for receiving the plurality of assembly signals detected by the signal detection units and generating pattern data on the basis of the plurality of received assembly signals; and a coupling state determination unit for receiving the pattern data generated by the pattern data generation unit and determining the coupling state of the connector on the basis of the received pattern data.

Description

Connector fastening state inspection system and method {CONNECTOR FASTENING STATE INSPECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD}

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector mating status inspection system and method thereof, and more particularly, to a connector mating status inspection system and method thereof capable of determining the mating status of a connector by receiving pattern data generated during a connector mating operation while a user wears a connector mating status inspection device.

[0002] Typically, in the automotive interior manufacturing process, electrical components installed in door trims are electrically connected to cables via connectors. After fastening, these connectors are subjected to a pull test by the worker to determine whether they are in good condition. This inspection process for connector fastening relies entirely on manual labor, which means the reliability of the inspection hinges on the worker's skill level.

[0003] To address these issues, methods have been developed to assess connector mating status based on video and audio data collected using cameras or noise sensors. However, collecting video data from the numerous connectors being connected on a production site is practically impossible. Furthermore, unnecessary noise surrounding the production site hinders the proper collection of audio data, significantly reducing the accuracy of connector mating status assessment.

[0004] Accordingly, a method is needed to improve the marketability of connectors by improving the accuracy of judging the connector connection status when the user directly connects the connector.

[0005]

[0006] The matters described as background technology above are only intended to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention, and should not be taken as an admission that they correspond to prior art already known to those skilled in the art.

[0007] The present invention provides a connector fastening status inspection system and method capable of determining the fastening status of a connector by receiving pattern data generated during a connector fastening operation while a user wears a connector fastening status inspection device.

[0008] The technical problems to be achieved in the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] As a means for solving the above technical problem, the present invention comprises a connector mating status inspection system including: a signal detection unit that is mounted on a user's finger and detects a plurality of assembly signals transmitted to the user's finger during the assembly process of a connector; a pattern data generation unit that receives a plurality of assembly signals detected by the signal detection unit and generates pattern data based on the received plurality of assembly signals; and a mating status determination unit that receives the pattern data generated by the pattern data generation unit and determines the mating status of the connector based on the received pattern data.

[0010] For example, the signal detection unit may be formed in a ring shape.

[0011] For example, the signal detection unit can be mounted on the user's thumb or index finger.

[0012] For example, the pattern data generation unit is connected to the signal detection unit via a connection wire, and can receive multiple assembly signals via the connection wire.

[0013] For example, the pattern data generation unit can wirelessly transmit the generated pattern data to the outside.

[0014] For example, the pattern data generation unit can generate pattern data by synthesizing a plurality of received assembly signals.

[0015] For example, the connection status determination unit can be configured to receive signals based on a LoRa (Long Range) network.

[0016] For example, the mating status judgment unit can judge the mating status of a connector by analyzing the size of the received pattern data and comparing it with the size of a preset reference value.

[0017] For example, it may further include a connection status output unit that outputs the connection status of the connector determined by the connection status determination unit to the outside.

[0018] For example, the connection status output unit can output a normal connection notification to the outside when the connection status of the connector is determined to be normal, and can output a vibration notification to the outside when the connection status is determined to be abnormal.

[0019]

[0020] As a method for solving the above technical problem, the present invention comprises a method for inspecting a connector's mating status, including: a step of detecting a plurality of assembly signals transmitted to a user's fingers during a connector assembly process; a step of receiving a plurality of assembly signals; a step of generating pattern data based on the received plurality of assembly signals; a step of receiving the generated pattern data; and a step of determining a mating status of the connector based on the received pattern data.

[0021] For example, the step of generating pattern data may include a step of generating pattern data by synthesizing a plurality of received assembly signals.

[0022] For example, the step of determining the mating state of the connector may include a step of determining the mating state of the connector by analyzing the size of the received pattern data and comparing it with the size of a preset reference value.

[0023] For example, it may further include a step of outputting the mating status of the determined connector to the outside.

[0024] According to the connector fastening status inspection system and method of the present invention, the fastening status of a connector can be determined by receiving pattern data generated during a connector fastening operation while the user wears a connector fastening status inspection device.

[0025] In addition, the accuracy of determining the connector's mating status can be improved, thereby improving the marketability of the connector.

[0026] The effects that can be obtained from the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0027] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a connector connection status inspection system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a connector connection status inspection system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the configuration of a signal detection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a graph showing an assembly signal transmitted according to a connector connection state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a pattern data generation unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a connector connection status inspection system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0034] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing specifications, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0035] In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0036] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0037] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0038] In this specification, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed to determine the connector connection status by receiving pattern data generated during a connector connection operation while the user wears a connector connection status inspection device.

[0040] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are a block diagram and a drawing, respectively, illustrating the configuration of a connector mating status inspection system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 primarily illustrate components related to the present embodiment, and it is to be understood that an actual connector mating status inspection system may include fewer or more components than this.

[0041]

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a connector connection status inspection system according to one embodiment may include a signal detection unit (110), a pattern data generation unit (130), a connection status determination unit (200), and a connection status output unit (220).

[0043] More specifically, the user can determine the connection status of the connector while wearing the sensor unit (100). The sensor unit (100) may be composed of a signal detection unit (110) mounted on the user's finger and a pattern data generation unit (130) provided on the back of the hand and wrist and fixed by a connection unit (131). In addition, the sensor unit (100) can communicate with the connection status determination unit (200), and the connection status determination unit (200) is typically configured using an industrial computer in which a program for pattern data analysis and connection status determination of the connector is installed so as to satisfy the harsh conditions of a production plant.

[0044] Below, each component is described in detail.

[0045] First, the signal detection unit (110) is mounted on the user's finger and can detect multiple assembly signals transmitted to the user's finger during the connector assembly process. The signal detection unit (110) is formed in a ring shape and can be mounted on the fingers corresponding to the user's thumb and index finger. As the user repeatedly connects the connector, assembly signals are transmitted to the thumb and index finger, respectively, and the signal detection unit (110) can preprocess each of the detected assembly signals and transmit them to the pattern data generation unit (130). The configuration of the signal detection unit (110) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0046] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the configuration of a signal detection unit (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, the signal detection unit (110) is formed in a form in which a first film (112) and a third film (114) wrap around a second film (113) and are configured with crimp contacts (115), and each component is wrapped by upper and lower covers (111). It is preferable that the first film (112), the second film (113), and the third film (114) are each made of an acrylic material, a piezoelectric material, and a polyester material. The second film (113) is made of piezoelectric PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride) having a thickness of 28 μm, and is configured in a form in which it is wrapped by the first film (112) and the third film (114). The crimp contacts (115) can serve as a connector that transmits a signal generated from the second film (113). The end portion can be configured as a cantilever beam so that the signal of the second film (113) can be amplified. In addition, the upper and lower covers (111) can fix the crimp contacts (115) in the vertical direction while protecting each film and crimp contact (115) from external impact.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a graph showing an assembly signal transmitted according to a connector connection state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to Fig. 4, the waveform of the assembly signal according to the connector mating status can be confirmed. Part A is the signal waveform before the connector is mated, part B is the signal waveform at the moment the connector is mated, and part C is the signal waveform at the stage of confirming the mating of the connector. As such, there is no change in the assembly signal before the connector is mated, and the change in the assembly signal is large at the moment of mating. In addition, when confirming the mating of the connector, a change in the assembly signal occurs due to the action of pulling the connector in the direction of release to determine whether the connector is normally mated. In this way, since the change in the assembly signal is clear depending on the mating status of the connector, the accuracy of determining the mating status of the connector can be improved.

[0050] Next, as shown in Fig. 2, the pattern data generation unit (130) is connected to the signal detection unit (110) via a connection wire (120), and can receive multiple assembly signals via the connection wire (120). This will be described with reference to Fig. 5.

[0051] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a pattern data generation unit (130) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to Fig. 5, the internal configuration of the pattern data generation unit (130) can be confirmed. The pattern data generation unit (130) is configured in the form of a sensor board and can receive the assembly signal of the signal detection unit (110) by utilizing a LoRa (Long Range) network. The LoRa network is optimized for security, enables long-distance communication, and allows data collection through multiple sensors.

[0053] The pattern data generation unit (130) can read the change of the signal detection unit (110) through the sensor driver (133). In particular, the MCU (137) can perform the overall functions of extended commands and units, data collection and processing commands, and data wireless communication through the LoRa module. Firmware setting and update can be performed through the diagnostic port (139a) and power can be supplied in the form of a battery (135). In addition, the communication module (139b) can be connected to the LoRa gateway and data can be transmitted at a high sampling rate (800 Hz or more).

[0054] In addition, the pattern data generation unit (130) can receive a plurality of assembly signals detected by the signal detection unit (110) and generate pattern data based on the received plurality of assembly signals. Here, the pattern data generation unit (130) can generate pattern data by synthesizing the assembly signals transmitted to the thumb and index finger respectively and wirelessly transmit the generated pattern data to the outside.

[0055] Next, the fastening status determination unit (200) can receive pattern data generated by the pattern data generation unit (130). The fastening status determination unit (200) is configured to receive a signal based on a LoRa network so as to receive pattern data wirelessly transmitted externally through the pattern data generation unit (130), and can determine the fastening status of the connector based on the received pattern data.

[0056] The connector mating status determination unit (200) can determine the connector mating status by analyzing the size of the received pattern data and comparing it with the size of a preset reference value. For example, the mating status determination unit (200) can determine that the pattern data is normally mated if the size is larger than the reference value, and can determine that the pattern data is not mated if the size is smaller than the reference value. Through this, the pattern data generated during the connector mating operation can be received and the mating status of the connector can be determined in real time.

[0057] In addition, the connection status output unit (220) can output the connection status of the connector determined by the connection status determination unit (200) to the outside. Here, the connection status output unit (220) may be provided as a separate configuration, or may be handled by the pattern data generation unit (130) or the connection status determination unit (200). The connection status output unit (220) outputs a normal connection notification to the outside when the connection status of the connector is determined to be normal, and can output an abnormal notification when the connection status is determined to be abnormal. When the connection status is determined to be abnormal, a vibration notification is transmitted to the user so that the user can recheck the connection status of the connector to ensure normal connection.

[0058]

[0059] Based on the configuration of the connector connection status inspection system described above, a connector connection status inspection method according to an embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0060] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a connector connection status inspection system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 6, first, the user can wear the signal detection unit (110) on the finger (S610). While wearing the signal detection unit (110), the user performs a connector fastening operation (S620), and as the operation is performed, the signal detection unit (110) can detect multiple assembly signals through the thumb and index finger (S630). Thereafter, the pattern data generation unit (130) can receive multiple assembly signals and generate pattern data based on the received multiple assembly signals (S640). Thereafter, the fastening status determination unit (200) can receive the pattern data wirelessly transmitted to the outside and determine the fastening status of the connector based on the pattern data (S650). The connection status output unit (220) outputs a normal connection notification to the outside when the connection status of the connector is determined to be normal (YES of S660), and transmits a vibration notification to the user when the connection status is determined to be abnormal (NO of S660), so that the user can re-check the connection status of the connector and re-connect it normally (S680).

[0062]

[0063] According to the embodiments of the present invention described so far, a user can determine the connector's mating status by receiving pattern data generated during a connector mating operation while wearing a connector mating status inspection device. Furthermore, the accuracy of determining the connector's mating status can be improved, thereby enhancing the marketability of the connector.

[0064]

[0065] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be variously improved and modified without departing from the technical spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims.

[0066] [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 100: Sensor part 110: Signal detection part

[0068] 111: Upper and lower covers 112: First film

[0069] 113: Second Film 114: Third Film

[0070] 115: Crimp contact 120: Connecting wire

[0071] 130: Pattern data generation section 131: Fastening section

[0072] 133: Sensor driver 135: Battery

[0073] 137: MCU 139a: Diagnostic port

[0074] 139b: Communication module 200: Contract status determination unit

[0075] 220: Connection status output section

Claims

1. A signal detection unit that is mounted on the user's finger and detects multiple assembly signals transmitted to the user's finger during the connector assembly process; A pattern data generation unit that receives multiple assembly signals detected by a signal detection unit and generates pattern data based on the received multiple assembly signals; and A connector mating status inspection system including a mating status determination unit that receives pattern data generated from a pattern data generation unit and determines the mating status of a connector based on the received pattern data.

2. In claim 1, A connector connection status inspection system characterized by a signal detection unit formed in a ring shape.

3. In claim 1, A connector connection status inspection system characterized in that the signal detection unit is mounted on the user's thumb and index finger.

4. In claim 1, A connector connection status inspection system characterized in that a pattern data generation unit is connected to a signal detection unit via a connection wire and receives a plurality of assembly signals via the connection wire.

5. In claim 1, A connector connection status inspection system characterized by a pattern data generation unit that wirelessly transmits generated pattern data to the outside.

6. In claim 1, A connector connection status inspection system characterized in that the pattern data generation unit generates pattern data by synthesizing a plurality of received assembly signals.

7. In claim 1, A connector mating status inspection system characterized in that the mating status judgment unit is configured to receive a signal based on a LoRa (Long Range) network.

8. In claim 1, A connector mating status inspection system characterized in that the mating status judgment unit determines the mating status of the connector by analyzing the size of the received pattern data and comparing it with the size of a preset reference value.

9. In claim 1, A connector mating status inspection system, characterized by further including a mating status output unit that outputs the mating status of a connector determined by a mating status determination unit to the outside.

10. In claim 9, A connector mating status inspection system characterized in that the mating status output section outputs a normal mating notification to the outside when the mating status of the connector is determined to be normal, and outputs a vibration notification to the outside when the mating status of the connector is determined to be abnormal.

11. A step of detecting multiple assembly signals transmitted to the user's fingers during the connector assembly process; A step of receiving multiple assembly signals; A step of generating pattern data based on multiple assembly signals received; A step of receiving generated pattern data; and A method for inspecting a connector's mating status, comprising: a step of determining a connector's mating status based on received pattern data.

12. In claim 11, The steps to create pattern data are: A method for inspecting a connector mating status, characterized by including a step of generating pattern data by synthesizing a plurality of received assembly signals.

13. In claim 11, The steps for determining the connector's connection status are: A method for inspecting a connector's mating status, characterized by including a step of analyzing the size of received pattern data and comparing it with the size of a preset reference value to determine the mating status of the connector.

14. In claim 11, A method for inspecting a connector's mating status, characterized by further including a step of outputting the mating status of the determined connector to the outside.

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