Inspection device for inspecting a cable tip of a cable and method for cleaning

Abstract

A kind of inspection device for checking the cable tip of cable is presented, the inspection device has mirror structure with central axis, in order to check cable tip, cable tip can be arranged in mirror structure along central axis, mirror structure includes multiple mirrors, mirror is used to observe cable tip arranged along the central axis of mirror structure from different observation angles, the inspection device also includes camera for generating the image of cable tip from different observation angles by mirror, the inspection device has transparent window panel, transparent window panel is arranged so that mirror structure is arranged on the first side of window panel and camera is arranged on the second side opposite to the first side of window panel in order to prevent dirt and / or dust from mirror structure to camera, the inspection device also has compressed air cleaning device for cleaning window panel and / or mirror by compressed air, compressed air cleaning device is designed to spray compressed air along window panel and / or along at least a part of mirror.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device for inspecting the cable tip of a cable and a cleaning method. Background Technology

[0002] EP 3 109 624 A1 describes an inspection device for inspecting cable tips according to the prior art. The inspection device in EP 3 109 624 A1 includes a camera, an illumination device, and a conical mirror ring (i.e., a conical arrangement of individual mirrors around a central axis). To inspect the cable tip or perform quality checks, the cable tip is introduced into the conical mirror ring, where the camera captures a mirror image of the cable tip. The image is evaluated using software, i.e., the cable tip is inspected for its quality. Inspections are performed before and after crimping to check or ensure the quality of stripping and the connection to the crimped point of the cable (i.e., the crimped connection). This can be done by introducing the cable tip twice into a single inspection device, or by using two separate inspection devices.

[0003] One aspect to consider when inspecting the device is the contamination of its components, particularly the camera and / or mirror, with dirt and / or dust, especially from the cables to be inspected. This can lead to malfunctions in quality checks of the camera. Without cleaning the camera and / or mirror, under adverse conditions, inspection of cable tips via the device may become unreliable after just one day.

[0004] EP 3 109 624 A1 proposes reducing contamination by placing the components of the inspection device (i.e., camera, illumination device, and conical lens ring) within a housing that generates overpressure. This prevents dirt particles from entering the housing.

[0005] Its disadvantages include the requirement that the housing be essentially airtight to seal all components or parts of the inspection device (i.e., camera, lighting device, and conical lens ring), which is technically complex. Additionally, the camera typically requires repeated calibration, for example, in terms of color, which is technically very complex in the case of existing inspection devices. Furthermore, once dirt and / or dust enter the inspection device, they reach the camera and accumulate there, potentially making it unreliable to inspect cable tips, as dirt and / or dust negatively impact the images captured by the camera.

[0006] In particular, an inspection device for inspecting cable tips is needed, wherein contamination of the components of the inspection device is prevented and / or dirt and / or dust is removed from the components of the inspection device in a technically simple manner. Furthermore, a method is particularly needed by which the inspection device for inspecting cable tips is cleaned in a technically simple manner. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This need can be met by the inspection device according to the present invention or by the method according to the present invention.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, an inspection device for inspecting the cable tip of a cable, particularly a treated cable, preferably a cable connected to a crimped contact head via a crimp connection, wherein the inspection device has a mirror structure with a central axis, wherein the cable tip can be arranged in the mirror structure along the central axis for inspecting the cable tip, wherein the mirror structure includes a mirror ring comprising a plurality of mirrors arranged at predetermined angles relative to each other and at predetermined angles relative to the central axis, the mirrors being used to observe the cable tip arranged along the central axis of the mirror structure from different viewing angles, wherein the inspection device further includes a camera for generating images of the cable tip through the mirrors from different viewing angles, characterized in that the inspection device has a transparent window plate, the transparent window plate being arranged to prevent dirt and / or dust from reaching the camera from the mirror structure such that the mirror structure is arranged on a first side of the window plate and the camera is arranged on a second side of the window plate opposite to the first side, and the inspection device further includes a compressed air cleaning device for cleaning the window plate and / or the mirrors with compressed air, wherein the compressed air cleaning device is designed to spray compressed air along at least a portion of the window plate and / or the mirrors.

[0009] Its advantage is that dirt and / or dust (especially soot generated by laser cutting of cables, etc.) introduced into the inspection device through the window panel and cables are generally not able to reach the camera due to the window panel. Therefore, it is usually technically simple to protect it from dirt or dust from cables or cable tips. In addition, the window panel and / or mirror can usually be cleaned technically simple and quickly.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for cleaning a mirror structure of an inspection device is provided, wherein the mirror structure comprises a plurality of mirrors and / or a transparent window for cleaning the inspection device, particularly the inspection device described above, wherein the inspection device further comprises a camera for generating images of the cable tip from different viewing angles through the mirrors, wherein the mirror structure comprises a plurality of mirrors arranged at predetermined angles relative to each other and at predetermined angles relative to the central axis of the mirror structure, the mirrors being used to observe the cable tip arranged along the central axis of the mirror structure from different viewing angles, wherein the transparent window is arranged to prevent dirt and / or dust from reaching the camera from the mirror structure such that the mirror structure is arranged on a first side of the window and the camera is arranged on a second side of the window opposite to the first side, wherein the method comprises the step of: spraying compressed air from a compressed air cleaning device along the window and / or along at least a portion of the mirrors for removing dust and / or dirt from the window and / or mirrors.

[0011] The advantage of this method is that the window panel, which keeps dirt and / or dust (especially soot generated by laser cutting of the cable) introduced into the inspection device away from the camera, can generally be cleaned technically simply and quickly. Furthermore, the mirror can generally be cleaned technically simply and quickly.

[0012] In particular, and without limiting the invention, it can be considered that the possible features and advantages of the embodiments of the invention are based on the ideas and understanding described below.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the inspection device is designed such that a compressed air cleaning device can be removed from and reinserted into the inspection device without opening the housing, which protects areas on the first and / or second sides of the window panel from dirt and / or dust from the surrounding environment. Its advantage is that, typically, no additional dirt or grime reaches the housing or mirror structure during removal or insertion. Furthermore, the compressed air cleaning device can generally be easily replaced with another device.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the inspection device is designed such that when the compressed air cleaning device is inserted into or arranged within the inspection device, a compressed air passage for supplying compressed air to the compressed air cleaning device, which is fixedly arranged relative to the inspection device, is fluidly connected to the compressed air cleaning device. As a result, the compressed air supply line is typically technically simple to connect to the compressed air cleaning device, allowing compressed air to reach the device via the supply line. Therefore, the compressed air cleaning device typically does not need to have active components. Consequently, the compressed air cleaning device can often be designed in a particularly simple, reliable, and inexpensive manner.

[0015] According to one implementation, the compressed air ejected from the compressed air cleaning device is ionized compressed air. Its advantage is that the cleaning effect or performance of the compressed air cleaning device is typically exceptionally high.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the inspection device is designed such that the cable receiving opening for introducing the cable tip into the mirror structure along the central axis can be closed by a cable pair center member for holding the cable, except for the opening in the cable pair center member for receiving and holding the cable. As a result, compressed air ejected by the compressed air cleaning device can generally be guided technically simply within the mirror structure such that the compressed air, after flowing along the first mirror, is deflected at the cable receiving opening, causing the compressed air to flow along at least one additional second mirror after deflection.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the inspection device is designed such that a calibration element, particularly a gray card, for calibrating a camera can be introduced into the inspection device without opening the housing of the inspection device—the housing protecting areas on the first and / or second sides of the protective window from dirt and / or dust from the surrounding environment—particularly into an opening on the first side of the window to accommodate a compressed air cleaning device, such that at least a portion, particularly all, of the mirrors in the mirror structure is covered by the calibration element when viewed from the camera's direction. As a result, the camera can generally be calibrated without dust and / or dirt reaching the mirror structure through the opening in the housing. In particular, when a color camera is used, the camera should typically be calibrated periodically in terms of color. The gray card can typically be inserted into or introduced into the same recess in the inspection device into which the compressed air cleaning device can be inserted. This is generally more effective in preventing dust and / or dirt from entering the mirror structure because the opening for accommodating the compressed air cleaning device or the calibration element can be closed at any time, i.e., closed by the compressed air cleaning device when calibration is not required, or closed by the calibration element while a calibration process is currently underway.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the inspection device also has an outlet for discharging compressed air from the interior of the mirror structure, wherein the outlet is arranged relative to the central axis opposite to the compressed air cleaning device. Its advantage is that compressed air, along with dust and / or dirt, can generally be technically simple to deliver from the mirror structure or inspection device. This typically improves the cleaning efficiency of the compressed air.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the compressed air cleaning device is designed to spray compressed air toward a cable receiving opening used to introduce cable tips into the mirror structure to clean the mirror. Its advantage is that the mirror can generally be cleaned technically simply and effectively because the compressed air is deflected when the cable receiving opening is closed and can flow along another mirror, particularly toward an exhaust port (if present).

[0020] According to one embodiment, the compressed air cleaning device is manufactured as a single unit, particularly through metal printing and / or 3D printing. Its advantage lies in the fact that the compressed air cleaning device is typically particularly low-cost and easy to operate.

[0021] According to one implementation, the compressed air cleaning device is designed as a multi-part unit and / or manufactured using a casting process. As a result, the inspection device can often be produced in a particularly economical manner.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the compressed air cleaning device has multiple compressed air guide channels for guiding compressed air within the device. When the device is inserted into or positioned within an inspection unit, two of the guide channels are arranged to spray compressed air along a window panel, and three of the guide channels are arranged to spray compressed air along one or more mirrors of a mirror structure. The advantage is that it is generally technically simple to clean both the window panel and the mirror simultaneously. The compressed air can typically be sprayed, particularly along multiple directly adjacent mirrors, thereby cleaning multiple mirrors simultaneously.

[0023] According to one implementation, the window panel is made of unbreakable glass and / or unbreakable plastic. As a result, the inspection device is generally particularly stable. This usually effectively prevents damage or breakage of the window panel.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the inspection device also includes an illumination device for illuminating cable tips arranged along a central axis, wherein the illumination device has multiple illumination mechanisms arranged along an ellipse, particularly along a circle, wherein each illumination mechanism has a main emission direction away from the orientation of the mirror structure, and has a reflector for reflecting the light emitted by the illumination mechanism. Therefore, the cable tips can generally be technically simply illuminated or lit without shadows and / or highlights.

[0025] According to one implementation, the reflector has the shape of a parabolic prism. Its advantage is generally that it can illuminate the cable tip particularly evenly.

[0026] It should be noted that this document describes some possible features and advantages of the invention with reference to different embodiments of the inspection device. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these features can be appropriately combined, modified, or replaced to obtain other embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0028] Figure 1 A partial perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the inspection apparatus according to the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 2a Showing a device with a casing or lid Figure 1 A perspective view of the inspection device;

[0030] Figure 2b Showing without a casing or lid Figure 1 or Figure 2a A perspective view of the inspection device;

[0031] Figure 3a Show Figure 3b The section lines of the sectional view;

[0032] Figure 3b Show Figure 1 or Figure 2a or Figure 2b The inspection device along Figure 3a A sectional view of line BB;

[0033] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 or Figure 2a or Figure 2b or Figure 3a or Figure 3b A perspective view of the inspection device, showing an uninserted gray card and an uninserted compressed air cleaning device;

[0034] Figure 5a A side view of the compressed air cleaning device is shown.

[0035] Figure 5b A top view of the compressed air cleaning device is shown;

[0036] Figure 5c Show along Figure 5b A cross-sectional view of a compressed air cleaning device for line CC;

[0037] Figure 5d Show along Figure 5a A cross-sectional view of a compressed air cleaning device for line DD;

[0038] Figure 6 Show Figure 1 or Figure 2a or Figure 2b or Figure 3a or Figure 3b or Figure 4A perspective view of the inspection device, showing no outer casing or cover and with an inserted gray card;

[0039] Figure 7 Show Figure 2a or Figure 4 or Figure 6 A top view of the gray card of the inspection device;

[0040] Figure 8 Showing Figure 1-4 or Figure 6 Images of the cable tip captured by the inspection device.

[0041] These figures are schematic only and not drawn to scale. In different figures, the same reference numerals indicate the same or equivalent features. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Figure 1 A partial perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the inspection device 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2a Show Figure 1 A perspective view of the inspection device 1, which has a housing 16 or a cover. Figure 2b Show Figure 1 or Figure 2a A perspective view of the inspection device 1, showing that there is no housing 16 or cover. Figure 3a Show Figure 3b The section lines of the sectional view. Figure 3b Show Figure 1 or Figure 2a or Figure 2b Inspection device 1 along Figure 3a A sectional view of line BB.

[0043] The inspection device 1 is designed for inspecting or examining the cable tip 18 or cable end of the cable 21. For this purpose, the inspection device 1 has a mirror structure 22, an illumination device 3, and a camera 2. These components are arranged on a substrate 17.

[0044] Cable 21 or cable tip 18 is introduced into mirror structure 22 through cable receiving opening 20 along the central axis 60 extending horizontally along mirror structure 22. Cable 21 is held in this position by cable center member 15.

[0045] The cable center member 15 has a first vertically movable parallel clamp 40 and a second horizontally movable parallel clamp 50. The first vertically movable parallel clamp 40 allows two clamps 41 and 42 to move toward each other, and the second horizontally movable parallel clamp 50 also allows two clamps 51 and 52 to move toward each other. The four clamps 41, 42, 51, and 52 hold and simultaneously center the cable 21, allowing the cable 21 or cable tip 18 to extend along the central axis 60 within the mirror structure 22.

[0046] The mirror structure 22 includes multiple mirrors 70-77 arranged in the form of a mirror ring 7 around the central axis 60 or the cable tip 18.

[0047] The mirrors 70-77 of mirror structure 22 are each arranged at equal angles relative to each other and completely around the central axis 60. For example, mirror structure 22 may include eight mirrors 70-77, such that each mirror 70-77 is oriented at an angle of 360° / 8 = 45° relative to its directly adjacent mirror 70-77. It is also contemplated that mirror structure 22 includes only five or six mirrors 70-77, which completely surround the cable tip 18.

[0048] In addition, the mirrors 70-77 are arranged to extend in a cone shape toward the cable receiving opening 20, that is, the closer the mirrors 70-77 are to the cable receiving opening 20, the smaller the distance between the mirrors 70-77 and the central axis 60.

[0049] Mirrors 70-77 each have an angle of approximately 45° with the central axis 60. Mirrors 70-77 are trapezoidal in the top view.

[0050] One or more mirrors 70-77 may each have distance markers to serve as a reference for measurement operations when analyzing and processing images captured by camera 2.

[0051] The mirror structure 22, the window panel 9, and the cable pair center member 15 of the almost completely enclosed cable receiving opening 20 together define the interior or interior space of the mirror structure 22.

[0052] The lighting device 3 includes a reflector 5 in the form of a parabolic rotating surface, which has an observation opening 25 for the camera 2. Figure 3b In the middle, observe that the opening 25 is located on the left side, that is, the side of the reflector 5 that is away from the mirror structure 22.

[0053] The lighting device 3 also includes a ring lamp 4. The ring lamp 4 is arranged at the inner edge of the reflector 5 at the end of the reflector 5 facing the mirror structure 22 (in Figure 3b(The middle is the right end). The ring light 4 is designed in a disc shape and has multiple lighting mechanisms 6, such as LEDs, which are evenly distributed around the circumference of the ring light 4. The lighting mechanisms 6 are arranged such that their main emission direction is parallel to the central axis 60 and away from the mirror structure 22. As a result, the emitted light reaches the reflector 5 and then the cable tip 18, which is thus illuminated or irradiated from multiple sides.

[0054] The reflector 5, or its inner surface, may be made of white plastic (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyoxymethylene (POM)) and / or have a white surface or coating. The inner surface, designed to reflect light from the lighting mechanism 6, is roughened to achieve good light scattering. The inner surface of the reflector 5 is particularly sensitive to dirt due to its roughness and its function as a reflective surface. Therefore, it is especially important to keep dirt away from the inner surface of the reflector 5. The lighting mechanism 6 radiates entirely along the direction of the reflector 5.

[0055] The observation direction of camera 2 extends along the central axis 60. Camera 2 captures images or photographs of cable tip 18 from different observation angles through reflections from mirrors 70-77 arranged around cable tip 18. The number of observation angles depends on the number of mirrors 70-77. Alternatively, camera 2 may capture only one image, which is then divided into multiple images, i.e., one image for each mirror 70-77. It is also possible for camera 2 to capture a separate image for each mirror 70-77.

[0056] Camera 2 is connected to an analysis and processing system (not shown). The analysis and processing system includes, for example, a computer with analysis and processing software, which analyzes images of cable tip 18 from different viewing angles. The analysis and processing software may include, or be image recognition software. The analysis and processing software can identify, for example, non-uniformity and / or asymmetry and / or other errors, such as pulled and / or unraveled strands of cable 21 or cable tip 18. If one or more errors and / or quality defects are identified by the analysis and processing software, a corresponding error message can be generated. In response to the error message, cable 21 may be disposed of as scrap, production of other cables may be temporarily halted until manual release, etc. Pure recording of specific variables may also be performed.

[0057] Before and / or after processing the cable 21 with a cable processing machine (e.g., a crimping machine), the cable 21 can be inspected or examined by the inspection device 1 to determine the changes made to the cable 21 by the cable processing machine.

[0058] Camera 2 can be a digital still camera or a digital video camera.

[0059] A transparent window panel 9, extending perpendicularly to the central axis 60, is arranged between the reflector 5 and the mirror structure 22. The window panel 9 separates the mirror structure 22 from the reflector 5 and the camera 2, particularly in a substantially airtight manner. Therefore, no dirt and / or contaminants can reach the reflector 5 and / or the camera 2 from the mirror structure 22, from the cable 21, or from the cable tip 18. Thus, the mirror structure 22 and the reflector 5 / camera 2 are located on two opposite sides of the window panel 9.

[0060] The housing 16 of the inspection device 1 surrounds the components or parts of the inspection device 1 (i.e., camera 2, reflector 5, window panel 9, and mirror structure 22), thereby protecting them from dust and / or dirt. When the housing 16 is closed, only the cable receiving opening 20 is left open, through which dust and / or dirt can enter the inspection device 1.

[0061] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 or Figure 2a or Figure 2b or Figure 3a or Figure 3b A perspective view of the inspection device 1, showing an uninserted gray card 14 and an uninserted compressed air cleaning device 10. Figure 5a A side view of the compressed air cleaning device 10 is shown. Figure 5b A top view of the compressed air cleaning device 10 is shown. Figure 5c The compressed air cleaning device 10 is shown along the edge Figure 5b A sectional view of line CC. Figure 5d The compressed air cleaning device 10 is shown along the edge Figure 5a A sectional view of line DD.

[0062] The inspection device 1 also includes a compressed air cleaning device 10. The compressed air cleaning device 10 is designed to clean dirt and / or grime from the window panel 9 and the mirror structure 22 using compressed air. The cable 21 may be stripped, for example, by laser stripping, which may produce soot particles that may also be deposited on the cable tip 18 and not removed before the cable tip 18 is introduced into the inspection device 1.

[0063] The compressed air cleaning device 10 can be introduced into the recess of the inspection device 1 or inserted into and removed from the compressed air cleaning device 10. The compressed air cleaning device 10 is pushed to be inserted from top to bottom between the window panel 9 and the mirror ring 7 or mirror structure 22. The plurality of outlets 11, 12 of the compressed air cleaning device 10 protrude minimally on the edge of the mirror ring 7 and are oriented parallel to the surfaces of the mirrors 70-77 and / or the surface of the window panel 9.

[0064] Compressed air cleaning device 10 is used to clean the window panel 9 and mirrors 70-77 with compressed air. When the compressed air cleaning device 10 is inserted into the inspection device 1, the compressed air cleaning device 10 or its outlets 11, 12 are fluidly connected to a fixedly arranged compressed air passage 13. When the compressed air cleaning device 10 is removed from the inspection device 1, the fluid connection is disconnected again. The air supply passage of the compressed air cleaning device 10, located in the lateral region of the compressed air cleaning device 10, may have a seal for an airtight connection with the fixedly arranged compressed air passage 13. Compressed air or air is introduced into the compressed air cleaning device 10 via the compressed air passage 13.

[0065] The compressed air cleaning device 10 has multiple compressed air guiding channels for guiding compressed air in the compressed air cleaning device 10 or for spraying compressed air or air from the compressed air cleaning device 10 in different directions.

[0066] A portion of the compressed air is ejected downwards from the compressed air cleaning device 10 along the window panel 9. Therefore, in Figure 5d The two secondary compressed air passages extend downwards, meaning their openings face downwards.

[0067] The three compressed air passages in the compressed air cleaning device 10 are... Figure 5d The structure comprises two external compressed air channels and a central compressed air channel, each designed to eject compressed air along mirrors 70-77. Therefore, compressed air from each of these three channels is ejected toward the cable receiving opening 20. When the cable receiving opening 20 is closed by the cable center member 15 except for the opening used to receive or hold the cable 21, the compressed air or air is subsequently “reflected” by the cable center member 15 and flows along one or more mirrors 70-77 in the lower half of the mirror structure 22, or, when moving away from the window panel 9 away from the cable receiving opening 20, flows along one or more mirrors 70-77 extending downwards.

[0068] The compressed air in the compressed air cleaning device 10 is split in a fork shape through the compressed air channel.

[0069] Compressed air can be continuously ejected through the compressed air cleaning device 10.

[0070] However, it is also possible for the compressed air to be discharged only intermittently, rather than continuously. The time interval between compressed air discharges and the length of the compressed air discharge can be predetermined or depend on the presence or intensity of contamination on the mirror structure 22 and / or the window panel 9.

[0071] The inspection device 1 has an exhaust port 23 on its lower side. Through the exhaust port 23, air ejected from the compressed air cleaning device 10 flowing along the window panel 9 or along the mirrors 70-77 can be discharged again from the mirror structure 22. As a result, dust and / or dirt removed from the mirrors 70-77 and / or the window panel 9 and now in the air are removed from the mirror structure 22. Alternatively, air can be actively drawn from the mirror structure 22 through the exhaust port 23 using an air suction system and a corresponding connector 19.

[0072] The compressed air cleaning device 10 can be removed or taken out from the inspection device 1. Therefore, Figure 3b The compressed air cleaning device 10 is pulled upward from its recess. By pulling the compressed air cleaning device 10 upward or moving it, the connection between the fixedly arranged compressed air passage and the compressed air cleaning device 10 is broken.

[0073] Figure 4 The inspection device 1 is shown without a cover or with the cover removed, along with the removed compressed air cleaning device 10 and gray card 14.

[0074] The camera 2 of the inspection device 1 must be recalibrated periodically. In particular, when the camera 2 is a color camera, it is sometimes necessary to recalibrate the color camera. Calibration is performed by a calibration element that is pushed into the inspection device 1 so that the camera 2 no longer sees the mirror structure 22, but the calibration element is in the field of view of the camera 2.

[0075] The calibration element can be a gray card 14, i.e., a flat card with a rectangular top view, wherein the rectangular calibration area 30 has a surface with a precisely defined gray tone.

[0076] Figure 6 Show Figure 1 or Figure 2a or Figure 2b or Figure 3a A perspective view of the inspection device 1, without housing 16 or cover, having an inserted gray card 14. Figure 7 Show Figure 1 Top view of the gray card 14 of the inspection device 1.

[0077] The gray card 14 is inserted into or introduced into the same recess into which the compressed air cleaning device 10 can be introduced, or the compressed air cleaning device 10 has been previously removed from the recess. The gray card 14 is introduced or can be introduced into the compressed air cleaning device 10 to such an extent that the area through which the camera 2 sees the mirrors 70-77 of the mirror structure 22 or the cable tip 18 is completely covered by the gray card 14 or the calibration area 30 of the gray card 14.

[0078] This means that at the location where the cable tip 18 can be seen by the reflection of mirrors 70-77, camera 2 can now see the gray card 14 or calibration area 30. Using the known hue of calibration area 30, camera 2 can now be calibrated or adjusted in terms of color.

[0079] The gray card 14 has an elliptical recess in its upper region to facilitate removal of the gray card 14 from the inspection device 1.

[0080] When the gray card 14 is not inserted or used in the inspection device 1, the housing 16 has a retainer 80 on its outer side for holding the gray card 14. The retainer 80 may include five discs protruding from the housing 16.

[0081] Figure 8 Showing Figure 1-4 or Figure 6 An image of the cable tip 18 captured by the inspection device 1. Figure 8 In the diagram, eight mirrors 70-77 are arranged such that they are positioned at the hour hand positions of 6 o'clock, 7:30, 9 o'clock, 10:30, 12 o'clock, 1:30, 3 o'clock, and 4:30. Figure 8 It is clearly visible how the eight mirrors 70-77 of mirror structure 22 provide / produce different views or views from different angles of cable tip 18 or cable 21. In the reflection or mirror image of cable tip 18 in right mirror 76 (“3 o’clock”) and left mirror 72 (“9 o’clock”), it is particularly clear that a strand of cable 21 or cable tip 18 is cut too short. This is more difficult to identify or determine in the other reflections or mirror images of the other mirrors 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, and 77.

[0082] This unevenness in the strands can be identified by analysis and processing software, and the cable 21 can be marked as defective and / or directly discarded as scrap.

[0083] Other defects that can be technically easily identified or inspected by inspection device 1 include, in particular, the strands of cable 21 being pulled out, the strands of cable 21 being unwound, cuts made to strip the cable 21 resulting in non-straight stripping edges, the strands of cable 21 being cut at an angle, the strands of cable 21 not being crimped with the crimping contact points, whether the strands extend parallel to each other in the control holes of cable 21, and whether the contact elements connected to cable 21, such as crimping elements, extend (or bend) completely along the central axis 60.

[0084] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having" or "comprising" do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plural. It should also be noted that the features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other above embodiments. Reference numerals in the claims should not be considered limiting.

[0085] List of reference numerals

[0086] 1 Inspection device

[0087] 2 cameras

[0088] 3 lighting fixtures

[0089] 4 ring lights

[0090] 5 reflectors

[0091] 6 Lighting mechanisms

[0092] 7-ring lens

[0093] 9 window panels

[0094] 10 Compressed Air Cleaning Device

[0095] 11. Outlet for cleaning mirrors

[0096] 12 Outlets for cleaning window panels

[0097] 13 Compressed Air Channels

[0098] 14 Gray Card

[0099] 15 cable pairs center piece

[0100] 16. Shell (Lid)

[0101] 17 substrates

[0102] 18 cable tips

[0103] 19 Connector for air suction

[0104] 20 cable receiving opening

[0105] 21 cable

[0106] 22 Mirror Structure

[0107] 23 outlets

[0108] 25 Observation opening of the reflector

[0109] 30 calibration areas

[0110] 40 First parallel gripper

[0111] 41, 42 Clamping plates of the first parallel clamp

[0112] 50 Second Parallel Clamp

[0113] 51, 52 The clamping plates of the second parallel clamp

[0114] 60 central axis

[0115] 70-77 mirrors

[0116] 80 Retainer for Gray Cards

Claims

1. An inspection device (1) for inspecting the cable tip (18) of a cable (21). in, The inspection device (1) has a mirror structure (22) with a central axis (60). In order to inspect the cable tip (18), the cable tip (18) can be arranged in the mirror structure (22) along the central axis (60). The mirror structure (22) includes a plurality of mirrors (70-77) arranged at a predetermined angle relative to each other and at a predetermined angle relative to the central axis (60), the mirrors being used to observe the cable tip (18) arranged along the central axis (60) of the mirror structure (22) from different viewing angles. The inspection device (1) also includes a camera (2) for generating images of the cable tip (18) from different viewing angles through mirrors (70-77). The inspection device (1) is characterized in that it has a transparent window (9) which is arranged to prevent dirt and / or dust from reaching the camera (2) from the mirror structure (22) by: arranging the mirror structure (22) on a first side of the window (9) and arranging the camera (2) on a second side of the window (9) opposite to the first side. The inspection device (1) also has a compressed air cleaning device (10) for cleaning the window panel (9) and / or mirrors (70-77) with compressed air, the compressed air cleaning device (10) being designed to spray compressed air along at least a portion of the window panel (9) and / or mirrors (70-77), and The inspection device (1) is designed such that the compressed air cleaning device (10) can be removed from and reinserted into the inspection device (1) without opening the housing (16) of the inspection device (1), the housing protecting the area on the first and / or second side of the window panel (9) from dirt and / or dust from the surrounding environment, the compressed air cleaning device (10) can be introduced into the recess of the inspection device (1) and removed from the recess of the inspection device (1) again, and the compressed air cleaning device (10) is positioned between the window panel (9) and the mirror structure (22), and when the compressed air cleaning device (10) is inserted into the inspection device (1), a compressed air passage (13) fixedly arranged relative to the inspection device (1) for supplying compressed air to the compressed air cleaning device (10) is fluidly connected to a plurality of outlets (11, 12) of the compressed air cleaning device (10).

2. The inspection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable is a treated cable (21).

3. The inspection device (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The cable is a cable (21) connected to the crimping head via a crimping connection.

4. The inspection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The compressed air ejected from the compressed air cleaning device (10) is ionized compressed air.

5. The inspection device (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The inspection device (1) is designed such that the cable receiving opening (20) for introducing the cable tip (18) into the mirror structure (22) along the central axis (60) can be closed by the cable pair center (15) for holding the cable (21), except that the opening of the cable pair center (15) for receiving and holding the cable (21) is not closed.

6. The inspection device (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The inspection device (1) is designed such that a calibration element for calibrating the camera (2) can be introduced into the inspection device (1) without opening the housing (16) of the inspection device (1), such that at least a portion of the mirrors (70-77) of the mirror structure (22) is covered by the calibration element when viewed from the observation direction of the camera (2), wherein the area on the first and / or second side of the housing protective window plate (9) is protected from dirt and / or dust from the surrounding environment.

7. The inspection device (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The calibration element is a gray card (14) used to calibrate the camera (2).

8. The inspection device (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The calibration element can be introduced into an opening on the first side of the window plate (9) to accommodate the compressed air cleaning device (10).

9. The inspection device (1) according to claim 6, wherein, All mirrors (70-77) of the mirror structure (22) are covered by the calibration element when viewed from the observation direction of the camera (2).

10. The inspection device (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The inspection device (1) also has an outlet (23) for discharging compressed air from inside the mirror structure (22).

11. The inspection device (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The outlet (23) is arranged relative to the central axis (60) and opposite to the compressed air cleaning device (10).

12. The inspection device (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The compressed air cleaning device (10) is designed to spray compressed air toward the cable receiving opening (20) in the mirror structure (22) for introducing the cable tip (18) into the mirror structure (22) to clean the mirror (70-77).

13. The inspection device (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The compressed air cleaning device (10) is made in one piece.

14. The inspection device (1) according to claim 13, wherein, The compressed air cleaning device (10) is integrally manufactured by metal printing process and / or by 3D printing.

15. The inspection device (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The compressed air cleaning device (10) is constructed in multiple parts and / or manufactured by casting process.

16. The inspection device (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The compressed air cleaning device (10) has multiple compressed air guide channels for guiding compressed air in the compressed air cleaning device (10). When the compressed air cleaning device (10) is inserted into or arranged in the inspection device (1), two of the compressed air guide channels are arranged to spray compressed air along the window panel (9), and three of the compressed air guide channels are arranged to spray compressed air along one or more mirrors (70-77) of the mirror structure (22).

17. The inspection device (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The window panel (9) is made of unbreakable glass and / or unbreakable plastic.

18. The inspection device (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The inspection device (1) also has an illumination device (3) for illuminating the cable tip (18) arranged along the central axis (60), the illumination device (3) having a plurality of illumination mechanisms (6) arranged along an ellipse, each illumination mechanism (6) having a main emission direction oriented away from the mirror structure (22), and having a reflector (5) for reflecting the light emitted by the illumination mechanism (6).

19. The inspection device (1) according to claim 18, wherein, The reflector (5) has the shape of a parabolic surface of revolution.

20. A method for cleaning a mirror structure (22) of an inspection device (1), wherein, The mirror structure (22) includes: a plurality of mirrors (70-77) and / or a transparent window panel (9) for cleaning the inspection device (1), the inspection device being the inspection device (1) according to any one of claims 1-19. The inspection device (1) also includes a camera (2) for generating images of the cable tip (18) from different viewing angles through mirrors (70-77). The mirror structure (22) includes a plurality of mirrors (70-77) arranged at a predetermined angle relative to each other and at a predetermined angle relative to the central axis (60) of the mirror structure (22), the mirrors being used to observe cable tips (18) arranged along the central axis (60) of the mirror structure (22) from different viewing angles. The transparent window panel (9) is arranged such that the mirror structure (22) is arranged on a first side of the window panel (9) and the camera (2) is arranged on a second side of the window panel (9) opposite to the first side. The method includes the following steps: spraying compressed air from a compressed air cleaning device (10) along at least a portion of the window panel (9) and / or mirrors (70-77) for removing dust and / or dirt from the window panel (9) and / or mirrors (70-77), wherein the inspection device (1) is designed such that the compressed air cleaning device (10) can be removed from and reinserted into the inspection device (1) without opening the housing (16) of the inspection device (1), the housing protecting areas on a first and / or second side of the window panel (9) from the surrounding environment. In case of dirt and / or dust intrusion, the compressed air cleaning device (10) can be introduced into the recess of the inspection device (1) and removed from the recess of the inspection device (1) again, and the compressed air cleaning device (10) is positioned between the window panel (9) and the mirror structure (22). When the compressed air cleaning device (10) is inserted into the inspection device (1), the compressed air passage (13) fixedly arranged relative to the inspection device (1) for supplying compressed air to the compressed air cleaning device (10) is fluidly connected to a plurality of outlets (11, 12) of the compressed air cleaning device (10).

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