WO2013131632A1

WO2013131632A1 - Control system and method for controlling the installation of a coupling device

Info

Publication number: WO2013131632A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/000620
Authority: WO
Inventors: Reinhard Plietsch; Otfried Schwarzkopf; Tobias Etscheid; Christian Zwillus; Thomas Schüler
Original assignee: Voss Automotive Gmbh
Priority date: 2012-03-05
Filing date: 2013-03-04
Publication date: 2013-09-12
Also published as: DE112013001283A5; DE102012004165A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a control system for controlling the installation of a coupling device, comprising at least one plug connector (2, 6) that emits a signal during a plugging process, wherein at least one device for detecting the signal and at least one evaluation unit (5) is provided. The device for detecting the signal comprises at least one mobile sensor device (10, 11, 12). In a method for controlling the installation of a coupling device, comprising at least one plug connector (2, 6) that emits a signal during a plugging process, at least one mobile sensor device (10, 11, 12) is arranged in the area of the coupling device and/or connected to the coupling device by at least one signal-conducting device. A signal is detected during the plugging process of the plug connector (2, 6) of the coupling device and is evaluated in an evaluation unit (5).

Description

Control system and method for controlling the assembly of a

coupling device

The invention relates to a control system for controlling the mounting of a coupling device, comprising at least one during a plug-in operation a signal-emitting connector, wherein at least one means for detecting the signal and at least one evaluation unit are provided, and a method for controlling the assembly of such a coupling device.

Coupling devices which comprise a plug-in signal emitting a sound signal connector are used in particular in the vehicle area at a variety of locations, through which, for example, media lines for conducting mostly liquid media can be connected to aggregates. In these, for example, at least one retaining element may be provided, which may be e.g. is formed as a bead or other shape and / or as a retaining ring. During the plug-in process this locked in a corresponding receptacle in the coupling counterpart. During the plugging or latching process, a sound signal, usually a click sound is emitted. Examples of such connectors can be found in DE 2444 993 B2, EP 0 691 502 B1, EP 0 568 075 B1, EP 1 108 941 B1, WO 2006/018384 A1, WO 2010/006838 A1 and WO 2009/101076 A1 and the WO 2006/077264 A1, wherein the latter two Mehrfachsteckkupplungen reveal for media lines. The assembly of the coupling devices is usually carried out manually, with an incorrectly plugged connector can lead to a system failure of the relevant comprehensive coupling device system of the vehicle, in particular a truck. In most cases, it is not readily apparent whether or not a retaining element, for example in the receptacle for this in the coupling counterpart is completely and properly locked. So it can not be immediately recognized in the assembly of connectors, if this installation was carried out completely and correctly, the resulting connector is so safe.

CONFIRMATION COPY For fuel tanks, it is known for controlling the connector of a so-called. Quick Connectors on a designated mounting nipple of the tank to use a so-called. Click detector. When the Quick Connector on the nipple is properly locked in place, a typical "click" sound will be heard that has a certain typical noise pattern.The click detector uses an acoustic element as a means of receiving the click signal the received noise pattern is analyzed and an evaluation made as to whether the Quick Connector has latched correctly.The click detector is arranged in a sturdy mounting frame, which is arranged as a fixed assembly near the mounting point.A sound sensor is used as a click Detector, which is aligned in the mounting frame to record the noise can.

Such a click detector of the prior art, which is offered for example by the company Prosensys GmbH or the company Maceas GmbH, is fixedly mounted in a workplace at which the assembly of the Quick Connectors takes place at the mounting nipple of the tank. The click detector is once aligned in the direction of the mounting location in a constant position and remains in this position. For other applications, it may come in such a fixed mounted on a mounting frame click detector to receive and assignment problems when at various points of the vehicle, a check of the assembly of coupling devices should be made. When using different connector systems, ie a variability in the connector systems or a very large number of connectors on an assembly such as a vehicle, as well as arrangements in which the connectors are provided at different positions, it is not possible such a stationary click Detector to use for detection, as this only allows the monitoring and allocation of the click sound of a particular Quick Connectors. In particular, the signal reception with increasing distance from the click detector is worse, so that an uneven signal intensity, eg due to several differently arranged connectors, can lead to falsified results. The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a control system and a method for controlling the assembly of a coupling device comprising at least one connector with at least one holding element, which is versatile and with the help of a control of the quality of the assembly of coupling devices on a variety In particular, can be done in a vehicle with the utmost security of particular 100%. The present invention is further based on the object to provide a Kontrolisystem and a method for controlling the assembly of a coupling device, in which the coupling device or the connector does not need to be changed or adapted to the Kontrolisystem. Rather, the Kontrolisystem and the method should be able to be used in all existing plug-in systems and coupling devices. Furthermore, as far as possible, no additional work steps are to be introduced during assembly of the coupling device, in order to provide neither a greater amount of time nor an impediment to assembly.

The object is achieved for a Kontrolisystem according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the means for detecting the signal comprises at least one mobile sensor device. For a method according to the preamble of claim 11, the object is achieved in that arranged at least one mobile sensor device in the region of the coupling device and / or in the region of a locking cam and / or by at least one signal-conducting device connected to the coupling device and / or the locking cam and a signal is detected during the plugging operation of the connector of the coupling device and evaluated in an evaluation unit. Further developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

Thereby, a Kontrolisystem and a method for controlling the assembly of a coupling device, comprising at least one connector, created, which allows arranging a mobile sensor device in the immediate vicinity of the signal source of the connector or provides. The signal may be an electronic and / or acoustic or sound signal. As a result, the signal emitted during the plug-in process can be detected and evaluated. If a sound signal, ie the characteristic sound of a plug-in operation, for example the characteristic noise of a click or click of the retaining element, emitted as a signal, this can be detected during the insertion process and evaluated in the evaluation. The signal can be delivered during mechanical locking and / or it can be provided a sounder, which is coupled to a holding element and / or a locking cam, the sounder promptly after locking or locking the holding element or locking cam emits a signal from the mobile sensor device can be detected. Furthermore, it is possible to emit an electronic signal upon successful completion of the plug-in operation, which can be detected by the mobile sensor device. The detected signal, eg noise, can be separated from interference signals, in particular noise, and then checked to see whether a proper latching has taken place, that is, a secure plug connection has been achieved. A mobile sensor device is here understood to mean a sensor device which is not fixedly mounted at a location. Rather, it can also be used on a mobile basis, that is to say on movable carriers or objects which, in particular, can be brought into the immediate vicinity of the coupling device in order to enable reception of signals, such as sound signals. By providing a mobile sensor device, in contrast to the mounted in a fixed location click detector of the prior art, a sound signal recording in the immediate vicinity or directly to the sound source done, ie the connector and its at least one holding element, which during locking during the plug-in process emits a characteristic click sound. Thus, a much better evaluation of this signal can be made than with the click detectors located at a fixed location remote from the coupler. The separation of this desired and to be detected signal of interference from the environment of the mounting point is much better possible with provision of a mobile sensor device, since the intensity of the desired signal, in particular sound signal of the latching holding element, so the click signal of the holding element is higher and thus more of the noise or noise, ie the background noise, stands out. By a frequency analysis, the frequency spectrum of the click sound of the latching holding element can be much better separated from the interference or noise than is possible with a click detector of the prior art.

In the evaluation unit, the signal detected by the mobile sensor device can be filtered and processed, possibly amplified, in order to be able to better separate the wanted signal, that is to say the click sound emitted by the holding element, from the other detected noises. The interference signals or noise can also be filtered out, that is to say eliminated.

By providing a mobile sensor device, the signal or sound signal can be detected directly during the plug-in operation, ie online, so that the control of the assembly with regard to the question of whether a correct plug-in operation has occurred, ie a complete assembly of the parts of the connector, no additional time.

Advantageously, the mobile sensor device is designed to detect a body and / or airborne sound signal. Especially in the transmission of airborne sound, it proves to be particularly advantageous to be able to bring the mobile sensor device very close to the signal source, so the coupling device and / or the at least one locking cam. For detecting structure-borne noise, it is also advantageous to be able to bring the mobile sensor device into vibration contact with the coupling device and / or the at least one locking cam.

The mobile sensor device can be arranged on a carrier material or integrated into it. As a carrier material for the mobile sensor device is particularly suitable a material that hardly dampens vibrations, so that a structure-borne sound transmission is easily possible. The mobile sensor device can be integrated into or be a mounting glove and / or a garment and / or a body wearable device, in particular a belt, a watch or a bracelet. The mobile sensor device can thus be arranged in or on a Assembly glove, for example, in the region of the finger portions on the inside and / or outside, the hand inside and / or outside surface, and / or the wrist portion are arranged. Since the fitter carries out the assembly of the coupling device with the hand carrying the assembly glove, the mobile sensor device can directly detect the signal emitted during the plugging operation. For this purpose, the sensor device is or is preferably arranged on the inside of the mounting glove, since it comes into direct contact with the coupling device or parts thereof. In the integration or arrangement of the mobile sensor device on or in a piece of clothing, such as a sleeve or collar of the fitter or for example another person who could be present for evaluating or checking the regularity of the connector during assembly, is usually an airborne sound signal received by the mobile sensor device. The same applies to the arrangement or integration of the mobile sensor device in other or other devices that are worn on the body of the person, especially the fitter, such as a belt, a watch or a bracelet. The signal, in particular sound signal, both in the arrangement of the mobile sensor device (s) in or on the mounting glove as well as in the arrangement of the garment (s) and / or body worn by the person can be forwarded via the latter to the evaluation unit. This can likewise be arranged on the clothing and / or the device worn on the person's body and / or in or on the mounting glove.

For supplying energy to the at least one sensor device and / or the evaluation unit, at least one energy supply device and / or charging station is advantageously provided. This can be integrated into the mobile sensor device and / or be provided separately from it or, for example, a plugging or clamping of the power supply device to the carrier material of the mobile sensor device and / or to this itself is possible, so no fixed integration of these devices is provided , Charging stations can be provided for charging energy stores of the evaluation unit and / or the sensor device (s). These can be provided, for example, in the area of assembly islands or stations along an assembly process, for example of a vehicle. An energy supply can also be integrated directly into the housing of the mobile sensor device or be, in particular in the form of an energy storage device, such as an accumulator or storage capacitor. Furthermore, the energy supply via external, ie outside the sensor device (s) and / or the evaluation unit (s) arranged energy storage, in particular accumulators or storage capacitors, is possible. An assembly glove may for example be provided with a receptacle in which the energy storage can be included to integrate it into the mounting glove, but take it out to load in a simple manner and to be able to reinsert there after charging. A charging of the energy storage can be provided not only after removing the energy storage from the inclusion in or on the mounting glove and introduction into a charging station, but also by placing the mounting glove on or on the charging station. Instead of charging the energy storage in the form of, for example, a rechargeable battery or storage capacitor via the conventional power grid, it can also be charged via photovoltaics, rotating masses or a generator. The power supply is thus independent of the availability of a power grid. A charging of the energy storage can thus be done even during the assembly of the coupling devices by the movement of the hand of the fitter.

To activate the control system, at least one on / off switch can be provided, which can be integrated, for example, as a contact switch in the mounting glove. Furthermore, it is possible to provide for switching on the control system via an acceleration sensor, which automatically switches on the control system upon detection of an acceleration and automatically switches off the control system again upon detection of a resting phase exceeding a predefinable time interval. This can save energy so that the time between two charge cycles can be maximized. The at least one evaluation unit can be provided remotely from, or in the immediate vicinity of, the mobile sensor device, for example also on an assembly glove and / or the clothing of a mechanic. The evaluation unit is designed such that it recognizes a correctly and thus securely plugged connector or coupling device, in particular on the characteristic frequency spectrum, which can be specified as a setpoint, so that in the evaluation carried out an actual setpoint comparison and the determined result is issued.

In the case of multi-pin connectors in which more than one locking point has to be exceeded or more than one retaining element has to be latched, it is also possible for the at least one evaluation unit to evaluate such a plug-in operation and, in particular based on the frequency spectrum, faulty plug-in operations or plug-in operations, in which the Nachsteckvorgang was not or not completely executed to detect and display such faulty plug-in operations or to display by a display device.

In the context of the control method, it is possible for the control system or its at least one evaluation unit to specify the number of coupling devices or plug connections to be mounted on a unit, such as a vehicle, in particular with each new unit, in particular each new vehicle , a new counting process is started in order to determine the number of correctly and securely plugged plug connections and to be able to output a response, in particular to a display device, whether all plug connections have been correctly inserted, if and how many have not been inserted correctly and securely, preferably under display, which connector was detected as not properly plugged. So it can be checked the completeness of correctly plugged connections and constantly monitored and those coupling devices are specified, where there is no proper connector. The data acquired by the mobile sensor device can be evaluated in a so-called decentralized evaluation unit arranged directly in its vicinity, such as, for example, an evaluation unit which is arranged on the assembly glove and / or the clothes of the mechanic. A data transmission can take place wirelessly from the at least one sensor device to the at least one evaluation unit, for example by radio, via a Bluetooth interface and / or via WLAN. Data transmission is possible online during the measurement process. Furthermore, at least one memory unit may be or may be provided for temporarily storing the data detected by the at least one sensor device and / or the data evaluated by the at least one evaluation unit. The determined data can be temporarily stored therein and transmitted, for example, offline via a USB interface or another type of serial data bus to an evaluation unit, possibly a remote computer with a central evaluation unit. Furthermore, it is possible to forward the recorded and / or the evaluated data to a database for storage, which may be arranged centrally or decentrally and, when the evaluated data are stored, permits a subsequent further evaluation. The data acquired during the plug-in operations, in particular the number of inserted plug-in connections, can be temporarily stored in a mobile storage unit, which is arranged in particular in the region of the mounting glove. After the installation has been completed, the data can be matched to a central evaluation unit, wirelessly or using a cable, via a USB interface, WLAN, radio and / or Bluetooth. The number of inserted plug-in connections can also be transmitted to the evaluation unit online, for example via WLAN, radio or Bluetooth.

A central evaluation system is thus communicatively connected to individual decentralized evaluation units which are assigned to one or more mobile sensor devices. Here, a communication between the individual decentralized evaluation and the central evaluation unit or a central evaluation system is possible, in principle, the possibility of Communication of the individual decentralized evaluation units can be given to each other. So it can be built a kind of evaluation network.

Both the setpoints and the actual values and the number of mating operations on a unit, such as a vehicle, can be stored and the result of the evaluation can be visualized, such as by an audible and / or visual and / or tactile signal and / or perceptible via other senses Signal through a display and / or signaling device. A tactile signal may e.g. be a vibration signal, an optical signal e.g. differently colored lamps, a flashing light, etc. The display and / or signaling device can for example also be arranged in the region of a mounting glove and / or clothing of the fitter, in particular integrated into this. Furthermore, arranging the display and / or signaling device in the workplace, a mounting island and / or in a device that is worn on the body of the fitter, such as a watch on the wrist, safety goggles, etc. possible.

A graphic display can also be provided, for example on a screen. Here, for example, correct and secure connectors can be marked in a different way than not correct and unsafe, the latter example, color highlighted and / or flashing. Advantageously, the order of the plug-in connections to be set in advance. If the received signals are initially buffered by the sensor device (s) or a memory unit and forwarded to the evaluation unit later _. Nevertheless, an assignment of the measurement results to the individual sensor devices is possible.

The method for controlling the assembly of the coupling device advantageously comprises one or more calibration steps in order to be able to recognize a correct insertion process as such. Here, the characteristic of a particular connector plug-in noise of a proper and leading to a secure connector plug-in process can be detected and stored as a setpoint. This detection step for the characteristic plug-in noise is advantageous by one or more times Plugging the plug under ideal conditions, so under low ambient noise, as the correct plugging performed. If a plurality of such plug-in operations are carried out to detect the correct characteristic plug-in noise, an averaging can take place to form the desired value, whereby the accuracy with respect to the correct characteristic plug-in noise can be increased by detecting a plurality of plug-in operations. After acquiring the setpoint, the control system is considered to be calibrated.

When teaching in the context of the calibration procedure, the plug-in procedure is carried out several times, for example 10 to 50 times. The evaluation unit stores the respective plug-in signal or noise with the characteristic spectrum for this characteristic as setpoint in a database. The actual values of the plug-in noises detected by the mobile sensor device during assembly of the coupling devices are compared with the desired values which have been stored in the database. From this, the evaluation unit determines whether a correct plug-in process is present or not. By teaching variants of correct plug-in noise / frequency spectra are stored as nominal values, so that even with variance of the connector due to manufacturing tolerances, etc. but with approximately 100% accuracy a correct connector can be distinguished from an improper. If several different connector systems are to be assessed, their respective characteristic plug-in noises can be detected and stored as desired values, for example in a so-called look-up table. Likewise, different levels or peaks of the characteristic frequency spectra can be detected, that is to say the heights of the signal deflections that can occur with different plug-in processes, so that variances occurring in this case can also be detected and correctly evaluated.

Advantageously, during the evaluation process, filtering is carried out with regard to the click sound or plug-in noise, that is to say its frequency is separated from the noise frequencies. A tolerance range around the characteristic plug-in noise, ie the characteristic one, becomes advantageous Set frequency spectrum of a correct mating process to intercept even minor deviations, for example, due to tilting when plugging and / or due to material tolerances, temperature differences, different lubricants, etc. and to be able to clearly identify a correct plug-in operation and thus a correct connector. In the case of an attenuated signal occurring due to unfavorable orientation of the mobile sensor device to the connector, the signal emitted by the plug-in operation, in particular the sound signal, as well as the occurrence of interference by other surrounding machines can be filtered out or amplified by appropriate means when a damped signal occurs and then the noise is filtered out, so that only the desired signal or sound signal of the plug-in process remains and can be compared with the stored desired signal or the desired signals.

The evaluation method for evaluating the detected frequency spectrum advantageously comprises the following steps: preprocessing the acquired data, feature extraction, feature reduction, classification and output of the evaluation result, that is, above all, the information as to whether or not there is a correct plug connection. Various methods can be used for the evaluation, such as the following methods: fuzzy logic, genetic algorithms, fast Fourier transformation (FFT), discrete Fourier transformation (DFT), principal component analysis, prosody detection, clustering algorithm, pattern matching, raster analysis, a Wavelet-based analysis or another analysis method. As already mentioned, the frequency components of the respective plug-in operation are compared as actual values with the desired values which are stored in the database or the evaluation unit, and from this the evaluation result is determined. When using fuzzy logic, for example, fuzzy sets are created that can be subsequently calculated. To create the fuzzy sets, linguistic variables are defined and a rule base is set up. The latter indicates how to proceed in a particular situation, ie when a detected signal belongs to the plug-in noise and when not and when a detected noise is to be assigned to a correct plug-in procedure and plug-in result and when not. Here In other words, a tolerance range is defined and what is to be done with results outside the tolerance range or what with results that lie within the frequency spectrum including the tolerance range. In the context of the evaluation, the signals obtained are checked as to whether and to what extent they belong to the established fuzzy set (s). As part of the processing of previously established rules, it is checked which of the established conditions apply to which degree and from which result sets are formed. The obtained result sets are further processed to obtain unique initial values, ie unique results, for example by the so-called centroid method, the determination of the left or right maximum of the result-fuzzy set or the maximum-mean method, in which all result areas are averaged with the highest degree of fulfillment.

In the context of Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) as the evaluation method, it can be determined, for example, that the noise characteristic for a plug-in operation is within a tolerance range of, for example, +/- 10%.

On the basis of the actual values detected by the sensor device (s), it is also possible, for example, to carry out an adaptive online diagnosis which is capable of learning during assembly. In this case, a selection of previously entered known reference data describing the operating state of a completely performed correct plug-in operation or of an incomplete or incorrect plug-in operation can be made. The reference data may, for example, be stored as functions in the form of non-linear characteristics fields, these being able to be determined by empirical test series, that is to say determination of the characteristic values by numerous plug-in tests. In the evaluation unit, a comparison of the data characterizing the actual state is performed with the selected reference data, on the one hand displayed as a result of an incomplete connector and / or to a rework, so a subsequent plugging, can be asked. The evaluation unit can also use, for example, fuzzy-based limit value, separation and spectral or wavelet analyzes in the context of the evaluation. Furthermore, model-based methods, such as Kalman filters or knowledge-based methods, so-called. Expert systems, to be used for adaptive process analysis. A combination of neural networks with fuzzy logic can be used, so that the technical state variables in the form of the detected sound signals with inaccurate linguistic information despite not exactly determined input values to a clear and precise statement about the probability with which the mating process in a concrete writable actual operating state (fully inserted, only slightly locked or not locked) is. It is also possible to incorporate heuristic expert knowledge in the logical decision-making process.

There are thus a variety of methods for filtering out the plug-in operation signal from a detected by the mobile sensor device signal or sound applicable, which makes sense first the plug-in operation signal separated from interfering signals and subsequently assessed in terms of the question of whether a correct mating process is present, so a secure connector, or not.

As already mentioned, the mobile sensor device can advantageously determine a sound signal by measuring structure-borne sound and / or airborne sound. For measuring structure-borne noise, in particular a piezoelectric or piezoresistive measurement, a measurement by strain sensors or strain gauges, the detection of magnetic induction or magnetostriction or a measurement using microsystems, which may be capacitive or resistive. In capacitive microsystems, a capacitance measurement is performed with respect to vibrating masses that vary their distance from each other, whereas in resistive microsystems, a resistance changing under pressure or tension is detected. The measurement of airborne sound signals can also be done piezoelectrically or piezoresistively by magnetic induction or magnetostriction and also by capacitive microsystems.

A mobile sensor device, which uses the piezoelectric effect for the detection of structure-borne sound signals, can detect the force curve during a plug-in operation. It is also possible, a minimal about this to determine the necessary force for a secure insertion. Also, to detect the on or Verrastens of the connector can be used particularly well, the piezoelectric effect, as this is a very accurate measurement is possible. In this case, even very low vibrations can be detected. Another advantage of a mobile sensor device, which uses the piezo effect, is insensitivity to EMC, ie electromagnetic interference, wherein signal lines are advantageously shielded, and insensitivity to thermal influences. Sensor devices that use the piezoelectric effect, are also available in a variety of designs and sizes or dimensions, so that the appropriate design and size, for example, for mounting on a mounting glove and / or the clothing of the fitter can be found easily. The transmission of a vibration to the at least one integrated in the mounting glove mobile sensor device takes place only indirectly through the transmission path structure-borne noise, airborne sound, structure-borne noise. Plastics of the coupling device and in this O-rings used, however, can dampen the vibrations occurring in the mating process, which are to be detected by the mobile sensor device, which is particularly suitable here due to the ability to detect even very low vibrations, a piezoelectric sensor. Such may also be provided in combination as a pressure sensor and used in the context of the present invention. For an ideal measurement of structure-borne noise, it proves to be advantageous, of course, to mount the sensor device itself on an oscillatable carrier material in order to record the vibrations to be recorded and not to eliminate, which is given when integrating the mobile sensor device, for example in a mounting glove.

If the mobile sensor device is designed to receive airborne sound signals, these are advantageously converted into an electrically evaluable signal. As a sensor is here, for example, a microphone. When measuring airborne noise, noise can adversely affect the measurement, thus leading to inaccurate results. Advantageously, therefore, a sufficiently sensitive microphone is used in the measurement of airborne sound, as compared to ambient noise, the wanted plug-in signal otherwise it might be too weak. Advantageously, therefore, sensors based on the piezoelectric or piezoresistive effect or based on capacitive microsystems are used, since they can represent the signal with sufficient accuracy. Furthermore, a force or displacement measurement can additionally be carried out, so that a verification of the results with respect to, in particular, the insertion depth of a plug in a coupling can be determined and thus a statement about the insertion result and the quality of the plug connection can be obtained. In addition to force and displacement measurement for testing and verification of the plug-in result, an acceleration measurement or acceleration movement measurement or a combination of force, displacement and acceleration measurement can also be performed.

The inspection procedure can be started by a fitter before starting the assembly. As a result, the at least one mobile sensor device can automatically log on to the system or control system. The control system may include a polling routine in which the number of plug-in connections to be plugged in is requested and entered. Subsequently, the fitter can, for example, tighten the mounting glove and start directly with the assembly of the connectors or coupling devices. If the mobile sensor device is not integrated in a mounting glove, but for example in the clothing of the fitter or arranged there or in another device that is worn on the body of the fitter, such as a bracelet or a clock, after logging on the system and the Entering the number of plug-in connections or couplings to be mounted are started directly with the assembly work, if the respective garment or the device is already on the body of the installer or in the vicinity of the sound sources, so to be plugged coupling devices. The control system may provide a corresponding query routine for this and make prior to the start of the first measurement. Possibly. a corresponding signal can be output as soon as the control system is ready to start, ie all sensor devices and possibly also the evaluation unit and / or a memory unit are activated and ready for use. The recording of the sound signals is advantageously as close as possible to the respective sound source, so the respective coupling device to be connected. If this is not possible, at least one device for forwarding the sound signal from the coupling device to the mobile sensor device can be provided. This is suitable for transmitting airborne sound, for example, a flexible tube or hollow tube or another hollow body. For the transmission of structure-borne noise, in particular a flexible element made of solid material, which is arranged between the sound source, adjacent to the coupling device or a connected thereto element such as a media line, and the sensor device.

In order to enable lossless transmission of the signal, an analog-to-digital converter can be interposed between the mobile sensor device and the evaluation unit. Especially when the control system is particularly small. is to be kept, it proves to be very advantageous to arrange the mobile sensor device and the evaluation separately. In this case, the interposition of an analog-to-digital converter between the sensor device and the evaluation unit is particularly suitable. If, as already explained above, the received signals are very weak, it is possible to provide an amplifier element and / or a repeater. The measured signals which have been converted into electrical signals can hereby be amplified in order to enable a better evaluation and analysis in the evaluation unit.

Advantageously, an evaluation of the structure-borne sound or airborne sound signal, the sound, etc., qualitatively and quantitatively. In the qualitative assessment, the clicking sound is evaluated and the quantitative number of clicks, for example, if a multi-stage locking of the coupling device is provided or a predetermined number of coupling devices should be properly locked. During the evaluation, the adjustment between actual value and desired value for each of the mobile sensor devices can be configured differently, wherein, in particular, a different intensity is present in each of the sensor devices and can be evaluated individually. On the one hand, it is possible to use a plurality of sensor devices separately, wherein each of the sensor devices is provided for detecting the latching noises of a respective coupling device. Alternatively, it is possible to provide several sensor devices cooperatively, so that one and the same sound signal can be detected by different sensor devices and an even better evaluation result can be achieved by way of this.

For further explanation of the invention embodiments of this will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show in:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a control system according to the invention, comprising a

Assembly glove with finger sensors,

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a control system according to the invention, comprising a

Mounting glove with thumb sensor,

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a control system according to the invention, comprising thumb and

Finger sensors on the palm,

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a mobile sensor device in arrangement next to a pipeline, and

Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a coupling device with

Connector, coupling element and retaining element.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a mounting glove 1 as part of a control system for controlling the mounting of a connector 2, which is arranged on the end of a line 3. The mounting glove 1 is provided with a forefinger portion 14, a middle finger portion 15, a ring finger portion 16, a small finger portion 17, and a thumb portion 18. He is supported by a person, not shown, a fitter, whose / the hand 4 is within the mounting glove, with the hand 4 with auffügtem mounting glove on the Line is attacked. The connector is provided with a locking groove 22 which can be latched upon insertion of the connector 2 in a coupling counterpart behind corresponding holding elements 20, 21, as can better be seen from the illustration of the connector 2 in Figure 5. Only after latching behind the second holding element 21, so the second detent stage, the plug-in process is completed and properly, so correctly and safely. If a connector 2, as shown in Figure 5, used, this has only a locking groove 22, in which at least one holding element 20, 21 of a coupling element 24 engage and latch it. The coupling element 24 itself is arranged in a correspondingly shaped receiving opening 25, for example, an assembly or other device 26. Instead of two Verrastungssignale or clicking noise when completely locking the connector 2 in a coupling counterpart can be done in an alternative embodiment of the connector 2, only one Verrastungssignal or click sound at full lock.

The mounting glove 1 has three mobile sensor devices 10, 11, 12, which are arranged on the inside 41 of the finger portions 15, 16 and on the thumb portion 18 of the mounting glove. The arrangement of the sensor devices on the inside of the mounting glove is preferred because it is brought into direct contact with the coupling device or at least a part thereof during assembly. Two of the sensor devices 10, 11 are each arranged in the region of the second phalanx of middle finger section 15 and ring finger section 16. The respective sensor devices may alternatively or in addition to the attachment in the region of the second phalange also in the region of the third phalange be arranged (see Figure 3). Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to provide an attachment in the region of the respective fingertips or fingertips or the thumb tip or thumb tip. As indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sensor device 12 is provided on the thumb section 18 in the region of the thumb tip 19. The attachment of the sensor device 12 in the region of the thumb tip 19 is particularly suitable for an angle connector 6, as indicated in Figure 2, since the plug-in operation Force application to the angle connector 6 is best exercised by means of the thumb-end 19, so that an arrangement of the sensor device 12 is particularly suitable there to be able to detect a structure-borne sound signal during the plug-in process.

The sensor devices 10 to 12 can be adapted to the shape of the connector 2 or 6 or the line 3 or be. An adaptation can be made, in particular, with regard to an intended curvature or curvature, recesses, recesses, openings, a fitting design, material pairings, etc. In particular, the sensor means may be provided with a non-slip surface to facilitate engagement with the lead 3 and the connectors 2 and 6, respectively, and to avoid noise due to slipping off the surface of the connector 2, 6 and / or the lead 3 as much as possible , The signal acquisition can be significantly improved.

As shown both for the embodiment according to FIG. 1 and for FIG. 2, the assembly glove 1 is provided with an evaluation unit 5. This is arranged in the region of the wrist 40 of the mounting glove 1 wearing person on this. The mounting glove has in this area a receiving device 13, such as a pocket-like receptacle into which the evaluation unit 5 and, if necessary, a power supply for this and the sensor device (s) can be inserted / can. The evaluation unit 5 can also be arranged remotely from the sensor devices, for example in the area of clothing of the person wearing the assembly glove 1. Furthermore, it can be arranged, for example, at the workstation of a mounting island, wherein a transmission of the signals received from the sensor devices to the evaluation unit advantageously can be wireless, eg via radio, WLAN or Bluetooth. The evaluation unit 5 is used to evaluate the signals received from the sensor devices, comprising filtering out the actual plug-in noise and usually also the comparison with target plug-in noise, which may be stored in the evaluation unit. Alternatively, or additionally, a central evaluation unit or a central evaluation system can be provided, which or in the decentralized Evaluation unit 5 transmitted data are transmitted, so that the central evaluation system can save or display the results. For example, on one display device that coupling device can be optically highlighted, which is not correct, which thus has a plug connector 2 or 6 which is not completely inserted into a coupling part. For connectors that require a Mehrfachverrastung for the fully completed mating process, such an incomplete mating process can be displayed in which less than the required number of Verrastungsstufen overcome, thus no secure connector was achieved.

In the embodiment variant of the assembly glove 1 shown in FIG. 3, the sensor devices are arranged on the thumb tip 19 of the thumb section 18 and in the region of the second and third phalanx of the middle finger section 15 and the ring finger section 16, respectively on the palm side 41. The arrangement of the sensor devices on the inner side of the glove is preferred because it is in direct contact or brought to the coupling device or at least a part of this. When attacking a line, such as the line 3 and / or a connector 2 and 6, the structure-borne noise or vibrations occurring during the plug-in process can be received directly by the sensor devices and passed on to the evaluation unit 5 via cable 50. Instead of individual cables 50 and the mounting glove 1 can be formed so that signal paths to the evaluation unit 5 are already formed in its material, to which the sensor devices are connected. As a result, a cable break can be better avoided even with heavy use of the mounting glove 1. Instead of the wired signal transmission to the evaluation is also a wireless, as already mentioned above to the other two figures 1 and 2, possible. The evaluation unit 5 can also be arranged at another location of the mounting glove 1, for example, also on the outer side 42 of the mounting glove 1. Advantageously, it is positioned at a location that is hardly or little exposed to the risk of damage by impact or the like. The sensor devices can be arranged on the mounting glove 1, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, at different locations. The choice of the respective arrangement can be made depending on the usual handling of the connector 2, 6, which may be formed as a straight plug 2, as 90 ° elbow 6 or as provided with a different angle bracket angle plug, for example as 135 ° elbow connector can. The type of training of the individual sensor devices is advantageously matched to the appropriate positioning, in particular on the mounting glove 1. Advantageously, care is also taken to choose a positioning for the respective sensor devices, on the one hand optimal sound detection (body and / or airborne sound) allows and the other Risk of damage or even failure of the sensor device minimized. For this reason, in particular in the embodiment variant shown in FIG. 3, positioning is provided on the inner sides of the middle finger 15 and ring finger portion 16 of the mounting glove 1. However, an arrangement may also be made on the index finger portion 14 or also the portion 17 of the small finger or the thumb portion 18.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor devices can also be optimally adapted to their shape. For example. For example, the sensor devices that can be arranged on the finger sections 14, 15, 16, 17 have a shape profile or a shape of the outer surface 100 that is adapted to the surface shape of the connector 2 or 6 and / or the line 3. The sensor device 12 in the region of the thumb tip 19 of the thumb section 18 can have an appropriately flattened and / or provided with a recess, recess, opening or otherwise adapted shape outer surface for optimum support on the outside of the angle connector 20, as shown in Figure 2. For optimal structure-borne noise detection in the line 3 with connector 2 according to Figure 3, the outer surface 100 of the sensor devices 10, 11 may be curved to the shape of the line 3 and the sensor device 12 adapted to the shape of the connector 2 and 6 respectively. As a result, an optimal support on the outside of the connector 2, 6 and the line 3 and thus optimal transmission of structure-borne noise during insertion is possible. The evaluation unit 5 can use a wide variety of evaluation methods. In particular, the sound signals which are detected by the sensor devices are fed as actual signals to the evaluation unit and compared there with previously determined desired values. The result of the check can be displayed, for example by means of an optical, acoustic and / or tactile signal-emitting display and / or signal device, which, however, is not shown in the figures.

In addition to the embodiments of control systems and methods for controlling the assembly of a clutch device described above and shown in the figures, numerous other can be formed, in particular any combination of said and shown embodiments, in which at least one mobile sensor device is provided. With regard to the method for controlling the assembly of a coupling device, the at least one mobile sensor device is either arranged in the immediate vicinity of the connector and a signal, in particular a sound signal, detected during the plugging operation of the connector and evaluated in the evaluation unit or the mobile sensor device is an airborne and / or structure-borne sound transmitting connection device with the sound source, so the coupling device directly or indirectly connected and detected the detected sound signal during a plug-in operation and evaluated in the evaluation.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 mounting glove

2 connectors

3 line

4 hand

5 evaluation unit

6 angle connectors

10 first sensor device

11 second sensor device

12 third sensor device

13 receiving device

14 index finger section

15 middle finger section

16 ring finger section

17 section of the little finger

18 thumb section

19 thumb tip

20 holding element

21 retaining element

22 locking groove

24 coupling element

25 receiving opening

26 establishment

40 wrist

41 palm side

42 glove outside

50 cables

100 outer surface

Claims

claims

1. Control system for controlling the mounting of a coupling device, comprising at least one plug-in operation during which a signal emitting connector (2,6), wherein at least one means for detecting the signal and at least one evaluation unit (5) are provided,

characterized in that

the device for detecting the signal at least one mobile

Sensor device (10,11, 12).

2. Control system according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the signal is an electronic and / or acoustic or sound signal.

3. Control system according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that

the mobile sensor device (10, 11, 12) is designed to detect a body and / or airborne sound signal.

4. Control system according to claim 1, 2 or 3,

characterized in that

the mobile sensor device (10, 11, 12) is arranged on or integrated into a carrier material (1), in particular on one

Mounting glove (1) and / or item of clothing and / or on the body of a person portable device, in particular a belt, a watch or a bracelet, can be arranged or arranged or in such and / or such integrated or integrated.

5. Control system according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

a display and / or signaling device for signaling the

Result of evaluation of the plug operation is provided, the in particular emits an acoustic and / or visual and / or tactile signal.

6. Control system according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

for supplying energy to the at least one sensor device (10, 11, 12) and / or the evaluation unit (5) at least one

Power supply device and / or charging station is / are provided.

7. Control system according to claim 6,

characterized in that

the carrier material, in particular the mounting glove (1), is provided with a receptacle (100) for receiving an energy store.

8. Control system according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

at least one memory unit is provided for temporarily storing the data detected by the at least one sensor device (10, 11, 12) and / or the data evaluated by the at least one evaluation unit (5).

9. Control system according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

at least one device for forwarding the signal from the

Coupling device for mobile sensor device (10, 11, 12)

is provided, in particular a hollow body for transmitting

Airborne sound and / or a flexible element made of solid material, which is arranged or can be arranged adjacent to the coupling device or an element connected thereto, in particular a media line (3), and the mobile sensor device (10, 11, 12).

10. Control system according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that to provide a substantially lossless signal transmission an analog-to-digital converter between the mobile sensor device (10,11, 12) and the evaluation unit (5) is interposed or zwischenschaltbar.

11. Method for controlling the assembly of a coupling device,

comprising at least one connector (2,6) emitting a signal during a plug-in operation,

characterized in that

at least one mobile sensor device (10, 11, 12) in the region of

Coupling device and / or in the region of a latching cam and / or by at least one signal-conducting device with the

Coupling device and / or arranged the locking cam and detects a signal during the plugging operation of the connector (2,6) of the coupling device and is evaluated in an evaluation unit (5).

12. Control method according to claim 11,

characterized in that

the number of coupling devices to be mounted is queried.

13. Control method according to claim 11 or 12,

characterized in that

the data acquired by the at least one mobile sensor device (10, 11, 12) in a decentralized one arranged in the vicinity thereof

Evaluation unit (5) are evaluated and / or in a central

Evaluation.

14. Control method according to one of claims 11 to 13,

characterized in that

the transfer of the collected data via one or more of the

Transmission paths WLAN, Bluetooth, cable, one or more USB interfaces, radio takes place.

15. Control method according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that

the evaluation on Fuzzy logic, genetic algorithms, Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT), Discrete Fourier Transformation (DFT), a principal component analysis, a prosody detection, a clustering algorithm, a pattern matching, a raster analysis or

Wavelet analysis is based.

Control method according to one of claims 11 to 15,

characterized in that

the mobile sensor device (10, 11, 12) for detecting structure-borne noise as a signal to be detected, a piezoelectric or piezoresistive measurement, a measurement by strain sensors or strain gauges, detection of the magnetic induction or magnetostriction or a measurement using at least one capacitive and / or resistive Microsystem performs and for detecting airborne sound as the signal to be detected, a piezoelectric or piezoresistive measurement, a measurement by magnetic induction or magnetostriction or a measurement using at least one capacitive

Microsystem performs.