Inspection system for optical inspection of electrical conductors

Abstract

The present invention relates to a detection system for optically detecting electrical conductors, the detection system comprising: a detection area for arranging the electrical conductors; a plurality of prisms surrounding the detection area; a camera aimed at the prisms, the camera being constructed to optically determine the electrical conductors arranged in the detection area from different sides through the prisms; a shielding device, the curved inner contour of which surrounds the detection area and the prisms at least in a radial direction; an air channel at least indirectly connected to a nozzle pointing to the detection area, the air channel being constructed to apply a clean air flow to at least some of the prism surfaces facing the detection area and thereby carry away dirt particles on the prism surfaces; another air channel in the area of ​​the inner contour of the shielding device, the air channel being constructed to apply corresponding entrained air flows to the inner contour (38) of the shielding device in two opposite circumferential directions, the entrained air flows deflecting the clean air flow together with the entrained dirt particles to an air outlet in the lower area of ​​the inner contour of the shielding device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection system for optically detecting electrical conductors. Background Art

[0002] For quality inspection of electrical conductors, it is usually necessary to check them from different sides. For this purpose, inspection systems with optical aids and cameras can be used. In particular, when using such inspection systems for optical inspection of electrical conductors, a challenge can be that dirt particles from the electrical conductor to be inspected, such as broken shielding wires, etc., always contaminate the optical aids or the camera and thus make optical inspection difficult. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution by means of which a durable and reliable optical detection of electrical lines can be carried out in a particularly simple manner.

[0004] The detection system for optically detecting electric wires according to the present invention comprises a detection area for arranging electric wires and a plurality of prisms surrounding the detection area. In addition, the detection system has a camera aligned with the prism, and the camera is configured to optically determine the electric wires arranged in the detection area from different sides through the prism. In addition, the detection system includes a shielding device, and the curved inner contour of the shielding device surrounds the detection area and the prism at least in the radial direction. The detection system also has an air channel at least indirectly connected to the nozzle pointing to the detection area, and the air channel is configured to apply a clean air flow to at least some prism surfaces toward the detection area, and thus take away the dirt particles present on these prism surfaces. For example, the nozzle can be directed to the detection area from above. In addition, the detection system also has an air channel leading to the inner contour area of ​​the shielding device, and the air channel is configured to apply a corresponding entrained air flow to the inner contour of the shielding device along two opposite circumferential directions, and the entrained air flow deflects the clean air flow together with the dirt particles taken away to the air outlet in the lower area of ​​the inner contour of the shielding device. In addition, the air channel can, for example, lead to the upper area of ​​the inner contour.

[0005] Therefore, in the detection system according to the invention, instead of sucking away dirt particles from the prism surface facing the detection area, it is provided that the dirt particles are carried away from the prism surface by applying a clean air flow, thereby removing them. In particular, when the position to be cleaned is in a narrow structural space relationship, it may happen that sufficient air guidance cannot be carried out, which air guidance causes a sufficient air flow through the negative pressure to achieve a sufficient cleaning effect. In the solution according to the invention, it is not only provided that the contaminated position, that is, the prism surface, is simply blown or cleaned. This is because this may simply carry the detached dirt particles to other positions of the detection system, and thus may contaminate other optical components, such as a camera. The shielding device is constructed so that it does not completely shield the detection area and the prism, because otherwise the detection system may be damaged, for example due to reflections.

[0006] In the detection system according to the invention, the dirt particles that are carried away or swept away are not simply sucked away, but it is provided that the entraining air flow is applied to the inner contour of the shielding device through an air channel that opens into the area of ​​the inner contour of the shielding device, so that the dirt particles are transported to the lower area of ​​the inner contour of the shielding device in the direction of the air outlet. However, if the dirt particles removed or carried away from the prism surface are sucked away, a large volume flow is required, which has a correspondingly large air guide cross-section and / or multiple suction positions. The latter is disadvantageous in particular in terms of flow technology. In the detection system according to the invention, it is also not necessary to provide an air curtain around the suction position (i.e. around the detection area and the prism).

[0007] Thus, clean air can be applied to at least some of the prism surfaces facing the detection area by the nozzles, and existing dirt particles can be detached from the prism surfaces. The dirt particles thus taken up or carried away by means of the clean air flow are at least substantially completely carried away along the inner contour of the shielding device by the entraining air flow together with the clean air flow until the air flow leaves the detection system through the air outlet in the lower region of the inner contour of the shielding device together with the dirt particles.

[0008] In particular, the cleaning of the detection system can also be automated by the detection system according to the invention, without having to significantly interrupt the detection cycle. The detection system according to the invention does not have to be opened at all for cleaning the prism face and / or the detection area. Thus, in the detection system according to the invention, it is not necessary to interrupt the detection or interrupt production during the cleaning process.

[0009] In addition, damage to the detection system or misalignment of the detection system that may occur during manual cleaning can also be reliably prevented. By shaping the curved inner contour of the shielding device and by the construction of the air channel, an at least substantially laminar flow of the entrained air flow along the inner contour of the shielding device can be achieved. By the laminar construction of the entrained air flow, the dirt particles that are rolled out or removed by the clean air flow can be reliably deflected in the direction of the air outlet in the lower area of ​​the inner contour of the shielding device. Since the laminar flow prevents eddies, otherwise the removed or rolled out particles may leave the shielding device in the direction of the interior of the detection system due to the eddies.

[0010] All in all, the detection system according to the invention thus provides a particularly simple and effective possibility of removing dirt particles from the detection system, in particular the prism, when necessary, and not allowing these dirt particles to deposit in other areas of the detection system, for example on a camera.

[0011] A possible embodiment of the invention provides that the inner contour of the shielding device is at least substantially annular. As a result, a laminar flow can be achieved in the entrained air flow in a particularly reliable manner, so that no eddies or as few as possible eddies occur in the entrained air flow. This helps to reliably deflect dirt particles that are removed or swirled from the prism surface by the clean air flow in the direction of the air outlet in the lower region of the inner contour of the shielding device.

[0012] Another possible embodiment of the invention provides that the air channel, which is designed to supply the entrained air flow, opens into the inner contour of the shielding device in the tangential direction. As a result, it can be particularly reliably ensured that the entrained air flow flows along the inner contour of the shielding device in the circumferential direction, so that an at least substantially laminar flow can be achieved in the entrained air flow. This also helps to prevent eddies in the entrained air flow, so that dirt particles entrained by the clean air flow can be particularly reliably deflected in the direction of the air outlet in the lower region of the inner contour of the shielding device.

[0013] According to another possible embodiment of the invention, the inner contour has a raised edge in order to prevent entrained air flows and clean air flows from escaping from the shielding device outside the air outlet. In particular in the direction of the camera, the height and size of the edge are designed so that the camera can still reliably optically determine the electrical conductors arranged in the detection area from different sides via the prism. If this requirement is met, the height of the edge is designed so that the air flow and in particular the dirt particles entrained cannot leave the shielding device over the edge. This ensures that dirt particles do not reach undesired locations of the detection system.

[0014] According to another possible configuration of the present invention, the detection system has a conveying device, which is configured to set the entrained air flow to have a larger volume flow than the clean air flow. In particular, in the case of the conveying device, the volume flow of the entrained air flow and the clean air flow can be set accordingly, so that a particularly good cleaning effect can be achieved. It should be understood in particular that on the one hand, the existing dirt particles can be reliably separated from the prism surface, while on the other hand, the strength of the entrained air flow can be guaranteed and a laminar flow can still be formed here, so that the dirt particles rolled out or removed can be reliably deflected in the direction of the air outlet in the lower area of ​​the inner contour of the shielding device. The clean air flow can be set by the conveying device here, so that the dirt particles deposited on the prism can be blown away or cleaned relatively easily, so that the dirt first settles downward under the action of gravity, and the dirt particles are then transported in the direction of the air outlet by the entrained air flow.

[0015] Another possible embodiment of the invention provides that the detection system is designed to automatically introduce a laden air flow and a clean air flow through the air channel for cleaning the prism. Thus, the detection system can be automatically cleaned without manual intervention, for example at fixed time intervals or according to another criterion, i.e., in particular, possible dirt particles can be removed from the prism. If the detection system is integrated into a production plant, the automatic cleaning of the prism can be matched, for example, to the production cycle, so that no delays occur during the production process.

[0016] Another possible configuration of the present invention provides that the detection system has a suction device, which is configured to apply a negative pressure to the air outlet. In this way, the corresponding air flow together with the entrained dirt particles can be sucked out particularly reliably through the air outlet.

[0017] In another possible configuration of the present invention, it is provided that an air channel at least indirectly connected to a nozzle directed to the detection area and an air channel configured to apply a carrier air flow to the inner contour of the shielding device in two opposite circumferential directions lead into the same area of ​​the inner contour of the shielding device. The connection positions for supplying the carrier air flow and the clean air flow can therefore be arranged collectively in the same area of ​​the shielding device. The connection position of the nozzle at least indirectly connected to the air channel can, for example, be arranged near an area connecting all air channels. In the corresponding positioning of the nozzle, the air channel connected to the nozzle is therefore arranged particularly close to the nozzle, so that particularly low flow losses are generated from the air channel to the nozzle.

[0018] Finally, another possible embodiment of the invention provides that the inspection system has an illumination device which is received by the holder for illuminating the inspection area, wherein the nozzle is integrated in a component of the holder. The illumination device can illuminate the inspection area and the conductor to be inspected, which can facilitate the inspection of the conductor in question. By integrating the nozzle in a component of the holder, the nozzle can be integrated into the inspection system in a particularly space-saving manner and without additional parts.

[0019] Further advantages, features and details of the invention can be obtained from the following description of possible embodiments and in conjunction with the drawings. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and feature combinations described below and / or shown only in the drawings, can be used not only in the respectively given combination, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The pictures are:

[0021] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a detection system for optically detecting electrical conductors;

[0022] Figure 2 shows a rear view of a partially illustrated detection system, in which a detection area for arranging electrical conductors and a plurality of prisms surrounding the detection area are visible;

[0023] Figure 3 shows a front view of a portion of a detection system, in which the arrangement of prisms is visible;

[0024] Figure 4 A sectional side view showing the detection system in the region of the prism, wherein a nozzle pointing obliquely from above toward the detection region and the prism can be seen;

[0025] Figure 5 A perspective view of a substantially annular shielding device, the curved inner contour of which surrounds the contact area and the prism, wherein different air flows are schematically illustrated;

[0026] Figure 6 A perspective view showing a possible further embodiment of the shielding device;

[0027] Figure 7 A sectional view showing a portion of a possible further embodiment of a shielding device;

[0028] Figure 8 A sectional detail view of a portion of a possible further embodiment of a shielding device is shown, wherein different air channels for supplying air into the interior of the shielding device are illustrated.

[0029] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] exist Figure 1 , a detection system 10 for optically detecting electrical conductors is shown in a stereoscopic view. The part arranged inside the detection system 10 is surrounded by a box or housing, wherein parts of the side walls of the box or housing are removed in this figure, so that the interior of the detection system 10 is exposed. The detection system 10 includes a substantially annular shielding device 12, which (in particular, in the radial direction) surrounds a detection area not marked in detail here and a prism not visible here. In addition, the detection system 10 includes a camera 14 directed toward the prism not visible here, and the camera 14 is configured to optically determine the electrical conductors arranged in the detection area from different sides through the prism.

[0031] exist Figure 2 1 shows a detection system 10 in a partial perspective rear view. The omission of parts of the detection system 10 shows the already mentioned detection region 16, in which electrical lines can be arranged for optical detection. The above-mentioned prism 18 can also be seen here, which surrounds the detection region 16. In addition, the lighting device 20 can be seen, which serves to illuminate the detection region 16 and the electrical lines arranged therein, which are not shown here. The prism surfaces 22 are arranged in a ring around the detection region 16 and point towards the detection region 16.

[0032] exist Figure 3 Detection system 10 is partially shown in a front view, wherein prism 18 is visible. Figure 1 The mentioned camera 14 observes the corresponding front side 24 of the prism 18 from the angle shown here. Thus, the camera 14 can optically determine the electrical conductor arranged in the detection area 16 through the prism 18 from different sides. The light beam passes through the prism surface 22 (see Figure 2 ) are deflected to the front side 24 of the prism 18 so that the camera 14 can optically determine the electrical conductors arranged in the detection area 16 from different sides.

[0033] When laying out and testing electrical conductors, it may happen that various dirt particles are deposited on the prism face 22 (see Figure 2 ), in particular deposited on the prism surface 22 of the prism 18 arranged below. In particular, for example, broken shield strands, dust or other dirt particles can reach the lower prism surface 22. This can make the optical detection of the electrical conductor difficult. In this illustration, a holder 26 can also be seen, which holds the Figure 2 The lighting device 20 shown in FIG. 20 . In addition, a prism holder 28 can be seen, which is used to receive and hold the individual prisms 18 .

[0034] exist Figure 4 , the detection system 10 is shown in a partially sectional side view in the region of the detection area 16 and the prism 18 and the lighting device 20. Here, some components 30 can be seen, which are part of the holder 26 and are used to hold the lighting device 20. The nozzle 32 is integrated into one of the components 30 of the holder 26. The nozzle 32 is directed from obliquely above to the prism 18 below. The nozzle 32 is used in particular to detach dirt particles from the prism surface 22 of the prism 18 arranged below. The main challenge when blowing away these dirt particles is to ensure that these dirt particles do not reach other undesired locations of the detection system 10 and thus, for example, do not block the lens of the camera 14 or damage other optical elements or other components of the detection system 10.

[0035] exist Figure 5 , the detection system 10 is partially shown in a perspective view, wherein in particular the substantially annular shielding device 12 can be seen, which surrounds the prism 18 and the detection region 16, which is not visible in detail here. The curved inner contour 34 of the shielding device 12 surrounds the detection region 16 and the prism 18 in an annular manner. In addition, the shielding device 12 has a raised edge 36. The raised edge 36 surrounds an opening, which is not shown in detail here, through which the camera 14 can observe the prism 18 in the manner already described and thus optically determine the electrical conductors from different sides.

[0036] An air duct 40 is provided in the upper region 38 of the shielding device 12, which extends at least essentially in a vertical direction and is at least indirectly connected to a nozzle 32 pointing from above to the detection area 16, and the nozzle is constructed to apply a clean air flow, schematically indicated by an arrow 42, specifically to a prism surface 22 arranged below the detection area 16, and thereby carry away dirt particles present on this prism surface 22.

[0037] In the upper region 38 of the shielding device 12, a plurality of further air channels 44 are provided on opposite sides, which open at least substantially tangentially into the inner contour 34 of the shielding device 12. The air channels 44 are designed to apply entraining air flows, which are respectively schematically indicated by arrows 46, to the inner contour 34 of the shielding device 12 in two opposite circumferential directions.

[0038] If the prism surface 22 (see Figure 2 and Figure 4) is applied with a clean air flow 42 through the nozzle 32, and the dirt particles present on the lower prism surface 22 are particularly removed or entrained by the clean air flow 42. Due to gravity and flow, the entrained dirt particles are first moved downwards together with the clean air flow 42, but can also be deflected laterally in the direction of the inner contour 34 of the shielding device 12. The entrained air flow 46 is also particularly designed as a laminar flow and its strength is designed so that the entrained air flow 46 deflects the clean air flow 42 together with the entrained dirt particles into the air outlet 48 in the lower area 50 of the inner contour 34 of the shielding device 12. The raised edge 36 largely prevents the entrained air flow 46 and the clean air flow 42 from leaving the shielding device 12 outside the air outlet 48 together with the entrained dirt particles.

[0039] The detection system 10 can have a conveying device, which is configured to set the entrained air flow 46 to have a larger volume flow than the clean air flow 42. Through the clean air flow 42, dirt particles can be blown away from the corresponding prism surface 22 relatively gently, without forming too large eddies and without causing the dirt particles to be too strongly distributed and, in particular, leaving the shielding device 12 in an undesirable direction. The volume flow of the entrained air flow 46 is set so that the entrained air flow 46 forms a laminar flow along the inner contour 34, and the intensity of the entrained air flow 46 is sufficient to deflect the dirt particles that are rolled out or carried away by the clean air flow 42 in the direction of the air outlet 48, through which the corresponding air flows 42, 46 and the dirt particles leave the shielding device 12 and therefore also leave the detection system 10. In particular, the detection system 10 can also be configured to automatically introduce the entrained air flow 46 and the clean air flow 42 through the corresponding air channels 40, 44 for cleaning the prism 18. The detection system 10 can also have a suction device (not shown here) which is designed to apply a negative pressure to the air outlet 48 .

[0040] exist Figure 6 1 shows another possible configuration of the shielding device 12 in a perspective view. Here again, an air channel 44 can be seen, which is used to guide a carry-over air flow 46 (not shown here) to the inner contour 34 of the shielding device 12. In addition, an air channel 40 can also be seen, which extends downwards essentially in a vertical direction and can be connected at least indirectly to a nozzle 32 (not shown here). The air channels 40, 44 are again arranged in the upper region 38 of the shielding device 12. As shown here, the outflow of the corresponding air flow 42, 46 can be deflected upwards, for example, depending on the structural space, but can also be deflected in other directions.

[0041] exist Figure 73 shows another possible embodiment of the shielding device 12 in a partial sectional view. Here again, the substantially circular configuration of the inner contour 34 is clearly visible. In addition, one of the air channels 44 is visible in the upper region 38, which is used to guide the entrained air flow 46, which is not marked here, to the inner contour 34 at least substantially in a tangential direction. The corresponding air channel 44 is therefore arranged obliquely and close to each other, so that the corresponding entrained air flow 46 is guided tangentially to the curvature of the inner contour. As a result, the entrained air flow 46 can be designed as a laminar flow, so that no eddies occur in the entrained air flow 46, and the entrained air flow 46 can reliably deflect the dirt particles that are rolled out or detached in the direction of the air outlet 48 in the lower region of the inner contour 34.

[0042] exist Figure 8 1 shows a further possible embodiment of the shielding device 12 in a detailed view. Here again, the arrangement and the course of the corresponding air channels 40, 44 in the upper region 38 of the shielding device 12 can be clearly seen. Here again, it is clearly shown that the air channel 40 for supplying the clean air flow 42 extends at least substantially in the vertical direction, wherein the air channel 44 for supplying the entrainment air flow 46 runs obliquely, so that the entrainment air flow 46 flows along the inner contour 34 of the shielding device 12 in a laminar flow.

[0043] Reference numerals list

[0044] 10. Detection System

[0045] 12 Shielding equipment

[0046] 14 Camera

[0047] 16 Detection Area

[0048] 18 Prism

[0049] 20 lighting fixtures

[0050] 22 Prism Face

[0051] 24 Front side of prism

[0052] 26. Lighting device holder

[0053] 28 Prism bracket

[0054] 30. Member of the holding portion

[0055] 32 Nozzle

[0056] 34 Inner contour of shielding device

[0057] 36 Raised edge of inner contour

[0058] 38 Upper area of ​​the inner contour of the shielding device

[0059] 40 An air passage at least indirectly connected to the nozzle

[0060] 42 Clean Air Flow

[0061] 44 Air channel for supplying a carrying air flow

[0062] 46 Entrained air flow

[0063] 48 Air outlet in the lower area of ​​the inner contour of the shielding device

[0064] 50 Lower area of ​​the inner contour of the shielding device

Claims

1. A detection system (10) for optically detecting an electrical conductor, comprising: - a detection area (16) for arranging electrical conductors; - a plurality of prisms (18) surrounding the detection area (16); a camera (14) directed toward the prism (18), the camera being designed to optically determine electrical conductors arranged in the detection region (16) through the prism (18) from different sides; - a shielding device (12), the curved inner contour (34) of which surrounds the detection area (16) and the prism (18) at least in the radial direction; an air channel (40) at least indirectly connected to the nozzle (32) pointing toward the detection area (16), the air channel being designed to apply a clean air flow (42) to at least some of the prism faces (22) facing the detection area (16) and thus to carry away dirt particles present on the prism faces (22); - an additional air channel (44) leading into an area (38) of the inner contour (34) of the shielding device (12), the air channel being constructed to apply corresponding entraining air flows (46) to the inner contour (34) of the shielding device (12) in two opposite circumferential directions, the entraining air flows deflecting the clean air flow (42) together with the entrained dirt particles into an air outlet (48) in a lower area (50) of the inner contour (34) of the shielding device (12).

2. The detection system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner contour (34) of the shielding device (12) is at least substantially annular.

3. The detection system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The air channel (44) designed to supply the entraining air flow (46) opens into the inner contour (34) of the shielding device (12) in a tangential direction.

4. The detection system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The inner contour (34) has a raised edge (36) to prevent the entrained air flow (46) and the clean air flow (42) from exiting the shielding device (12) except through the air outlet (48).

5. The detection system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The detection system (10) has a conveying device which is configured to set the entraining air flow (46) to have a larger volume flow rate than the clean air flow (42).

6. The detection system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The detection system (10) is configured to automatically introduce the entrained air flow (46) and the cleaning air flow (42) through the air passages (40, 44) for cleaning the prism (18).

7. The detection system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The detection system (10) has a suction device which is configured to apply negative pressure at the air outlet (48).

8. The detection system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: An air channel (40) at least indirectly connected to a nozzle (32) directed toward the detection area (16) and an air channel (44) constructed to apply the entraining air flow (46) to the inner contour (34) of the shielding device (12) in two opposite circumferential directions lead into the same area (38) of the inner contour (34) of the shielding device (12).

9. The detection system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The inspection system (10) has an illumination device (20) which is received by a holder (26) for illuminating the inspection area (16), wherein the nozzle (32) is integrated into a component (30) of the holder (26).

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