WO2014023879A1

WO2014023879A1 - Support and picture-taking housing in particular for the monitoring of quality of crimping of electrical cables

Info

Publication number: WO2014023879A1
Application number: PCT/FR2012/051869
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gérard REMY; Xavier Venturini; Eric Lamiot
Original assignee: Clara Vision
Priority date: 2012-08-08
Filing date: 2012-08-08
Publication date: 2014-02-13

Abstract

The present invention relates to a support (1) for receiving samples to be monitored optically. The support comprises, arranged one after the other, at least two miniature vices (2) each arranged so as to independently hold a dedicated sample. Each miniature vice (2) is dedicated to a given monitoring of the quality of a crimping of an electrical wire. The invention also relates to a picture-taking housing (4) adapted to such a support (1), for imaging in turn samples of electrical wire before or after crimping, if necessary after sectioning of the sample.

Description

«Support and camera especially for control of crimping platform of electric cables»

Technical area

The field of the invention is that of the control of wiring, in particular with a view to checking the quality of a crimping of electric wire (one can also speak of electric cable to designate an electric wire). It is preferably an optical control, that is to say a control performed by taking at least one measurement on one or more images of crimped electrical wire.

The invention also relates to a camera housing and a quality control system for crimping wire.

The invention also relates to a method of using such a camera housing.

State of the art

Various devices are known in the prior art for controlling the quality of an electric wire crimping.

According to the prior art, in the quality control laboratories, a binocular loupe or a monocular zoom associated with a camera and a microcomputer is used to observe an electric wire before and after a crimping operation, possibly seen in section. . We can talk about optical control.

In practice, the binocular loupe or the monocular zoom is arranged above the sample to be observed.

This binocular loupe or monocular zoom has knobs to focus and zoom manually.

The sample to be observed is placed on a support plate under the magnifying glass or the monocular zoom. When it is desired to image various samples in turn, these various samples are placed by hand, in turn, on the support plate.

Also known is a measurement box used in the field of quality control of welding seam, and having a camera with autofocus. Such a device is described in the French patent application FR 2 919 396. The camera is oriented upwards. A sample to be observed is placed on a window above the camera, and the sample is then imaged. When one wishes to imitate various samples in turn, one places by hand, in turn, these various samples on the glass.

None of the known devices is suitable for a control in which several samples must be sequentially imaged in order to control the quality of an electric wire crimping.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device for imaging successively and more easily several samples, to control the quality of a crimping of electric wire.

Presentation of the invention

This objective is achieved with a support for receiving samples to be optically controlled, and which comprises, arranged one after the other, at least two miniature vices each arranged to independently maintain a dedicated sample, each miniature vise being dedicated to a control given the quality of a crimping of electric wire.

With such a support, a given sample is placed in each of the miniature vices prior to any viewing and measurement. The samples to be imaged are all positioned correctly in a first positioning step, then imaged in turn by moving the support relative to an optical axis of imaging means. With the support, it saves time by avoiding alternating a positioning step, an imaging step, then again a positioning step and an imaging step and so on. The vices allow excellent retention of samples and their perfect orientation, unlike the case where the sample is simply placed on a flat surface. The support according to the invention provides means for maintaining and orienting the samples in a desired manner.

Such a medium is therefore particularly suitable for sequentially shooting effectively an electric wire before and after crimping, if necessary seen in section. A miniature vice is a vise of small size, for example having a volume less than 15 cm ³ , 10 cm ³ , or even 7 cm ³ .

Preferably, the miniature vices are aligned along a straight line defining a direction of elongation of the support, and each miniature vice comprises a jaw having two flat gripping surfaces and oriented orthogonal to the direction of elongation.

Thus, all the samples held in their respective miniature vice can be oriented in exactly the same way. In addition, the orientation of the miniature vices orthogonal to the direction of elongation of the support allows to miniaturize the latter. Indeed, the samples can thus extend out of their dedicated miniature vise and without it being necessary to space the miniature vices from each other. The support according to the invention may further comprise means for receiving, following the miniature vices, an independent vice arranged to independently maintain a dedicated sample.

The support according to the invention can thus also receive an independent vice from an auxiliary machine.

The independent vise is also dedicated to a given control of the quality of a crimping wire.

The invention also relates to the assembly of the support according to the invention and of this independent vice removably retained on the support.

Several means could be provided to each receive an independent vice arranged to independently maintain a dedicated sample.

Advantageously, the independent vice is arranged to abut against abutment means, when it is received by the means for receiving an independent vice, and the abutment means have means for adjusting their position.

These abutment means, whose position is adjustable, allow adjustment of the alignment of a sample held by the independent vice relative to an optical axis of imaging means. Advantageously, each miniature vise comprises:

a first fixed jaw element,

a second jaw member movable and held against the first jaw element by elastic return means, and

- Gripping means for manually moving the second jaw member relative to the first jaw member and against a restoring force exerted by the elastic return means.

The manipulation of a miniature vice is therefore particularly simple and makes it possible to obtain a vice of small size (for example less than 10 cm ³ ) and nevertheless very easy to handle by hand.

The invention also relates to a camera housing comprising

a measurement space capable of receiving at least one sample to be displayed,

a camera device disposed above the measurement space and able to display a sample using a camera with motorized zoom and autofocus, and

input / output connection means for recovering images captured by the camera device and controlling this camera device.

This camera housing receives in the measurement space a support according to the invention and an axial guide device arranged to successively bring the samples in an optical axis of the camera device. It can be said that the axial guiding device ensures the samples their alignment with respect to the optical axis of the camera device: it makes it possible to successively align each of the samples with respect to the optical axis of the camera device.

The camera device defines a shooting plane corresponding to its focal plane, and located in the measurement space. The shooting plane is positioned so that the samples are positioned in this plane. The camera device forms imaging means as presented above. It has an optical axis relatively to which are positioned the samples.

We can say that one brings successively, in a field of view of the camera layout, the samples pinched by each of the vices (miniature vices and if necessary independent vise). Thus, a camera housing adapted to the support according to the invention and allowing additional time saving thanks to the camera with motorized zoom and autofocus. A semi-automated camera case is thus produced: valuable time is saved by avoiding a manual adjustment of the camera device's focus.

In addition, the axial guiding device provides a controlled movement of the samples relative to the optical axis of the camera device. This ensures a perfect positioning of each sample relative to this optical axis.

Preferably, the axial guiding device according to the invention comprises a rectilinear slideway arranged in the measuring space, the support and the slide being adjusted to one another so that the support can slide under the camera device and in the slide, to successively bring the samples in the optical axis of the camera device.

Thus, the displacement of the support according to the invention, to bring successively different samples in the optical axis of the camera device, is controlled. The axial guiding device is thus made particularly simple and inexpensive way to design and manufacture.

Each miniature vise may comprise a jaw having two flat gripping surfaces orthogonal to the direction of elongation of the axial guiding device.

The displacement of the support is thus controlled, and in an optimized direction relative to miniature vices. Each of the samples held by a respective miniature vice can thus be ideally oriented relative to the camera device of the camera according to the invention.

The camera case according to the invention may further comprise electrolysis cleaning means.

This eliminates ancillary cleaning means by electrolysis and requiring their own power supply.

We obtain a compact camera housing, bringing together in a single device various technical functions that may be necessary in the context of a complete control of the quality of a crimping of electric wire. The electrolysis cleaning means may comprise an electrolysis cleaning stylet connected to the housing by a flexible cable. We can also talk about cleaning pen by electrolysis.

Such a stylet makes it possible to apply an electrolyte solution precisely to a sample. Cleaning by electrolysis is thus particularly easy to implement. It is avoided to immerse a whole sample in an electrolyte solution. The camera housing according to the invention may further comprise pressurized gas blowing means located inside the housing, and said blowing means are then connected to a flexible tube extending outside the housing. housing, so as to blow the pressurized gas out of the housing by one end of the flexible tube.

This eliminates gas blowing means under pressure annexes and requiring their own power supply.

The result is a more compact camera package, uniting in a single device various technical functions that may be necessary in the context of a complete control of the quality of a crimping wire.

The invention also relates to a quality control system for an electric wire crimping, said system comprising:

a camera case according to the invention, and

- A processing unit associated with a display screen and connected to the camera housing, the processing unit housing a software application for quality control of a crimping wire.

A system dedicated to the quality control of an electric wire crimping is thus realized. Measurements are particularly fast and accurate thanks to the dedicated software application.

Advantageously, the software application for controlling the quality of a crimping of electrical wire comprises dedicated tools making it possible in particular to detect the contours of the crimping and to count a number of strands of conductor, on a view of a section of an electrical wire positioned in its crimping and comprising several strands of conductors.

Detection and counting can be done automatically and / or semi-automatically. Semi-automatic means that certain stages are controlled by a human operator.

The invention finally relates to a method of using the camera housing according to the invention. According to this method, place:

in a first miniature vice, an electric wire to be crimped and one end of which is stripped;

in a second miniature vice, an electric wire positioned in its crimping; and

in a third vice, an assembly formed by an electric wire positioned in its crimping, the assembly being cut at this crimping,

and one measures successively, by sliding the support under the camera case:

- a length of bare electrical wire;

- Positioning parameters of the electric wire in its crimping; and

characteristics of the section of the assembly formed by the electric wire and its crimping (these characteristics include measurements of the crimping section).

We can also speak of pod sectioned in its crimping drum to designate the assembly formed by the electrical wire and its crimping and sectioned at this crimping. This assembly is preferably cut in a cutting plane orthogonal to a direction of elongation of the electric wire. Preferably, a vise is used as a vice from a machine dedicated to cutting the assembly formed by an electric wire positioned in its crimping, so that it is sufficient to move, to fix it on the support , the third vice maintaining said assembly having been cut at the crimping in a plane substantially orthogonal to a direction of elongation of the electric wire. By substantially orthogonal is meant orthogonal to more or less 5 °, where 180 ° equals Pi radians.

Preferably, the means for receiving an independent vice on the support according to the invention are arranged so that the section of the assembly formed by an electric wire positioned in its crimping is positioned in the focal plane of the camera device of the socket housing. according to the invention.

Advantageously, the means for receiving an independent vice on the support according to the invention are arranged in such a way that the jaw of the independent vice is orthogonal to the jaws of the miniature vices (and to the focal plane of the camera device of the camera housing according to the invention).

Description of the Figures and Embodiments

Other advantages and particularities of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description of implementations and non-limiting embodiments, and the following appended drawings:

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of support according to the invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic view of the operation of an embodiment of miniature vices according to the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of support according to the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the second embodiment of support according to the invention, connected to an independent vice;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of a control system according to the invention;

- Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a camera case according to the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a view obtained thanks to the camera box according to the invention; and

- Figure 7 illustrates a side view of an electrical wire positioned in its crimping and imaged with a camera housing according to the invention.

These embodiments being in no way limiting, it will be possible to imagine variants of the invention comprising only one selection of characteristics described hereinafter isolated from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the prior art. This selection comprises at least one preferably functional feature without structural details, or with only a portion of the structural details if it is this part only that is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the invention. prior art. We will firstly describe, with reference to FIG. 1A, a first embodiment of support 1 according to the invention.

The support 1 comprises two miniature vices 2. "Miniature" means a vice returning in a volume less than 10 cm ³ . For example, a miniature vice has a cube shape of height 1 cm, width 1, 5 cm and depth 2 cm.

Each miniature vise 2 is used to pinch and hold in position an element such as an electrical wire, where an electric wire is defined as being a conductive material (copper, aluminum, etc.) multi-strand surrounded by an insulating envelope (for example plastic or teflon). The diameter of such an electrical wire is typically between 10 mm and 0.5 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 2 mm.

The support 1 is used to hold and orient elements in order to optically control a crimping of electrical wire, in particular at different stages of the crimping operation (for example by imaging an electric wire before and after crimping) and according to different views ( perspective view and section view). By optical control is meant controls on images, for example counts, measurements of length and / or area.

In a first miniature vice 2, there is a partially stripped electrical wire 3. It is an electric wire before it is crimped. This electric wire is pinched in a miniature vice at its insulating envelope. The stripped portion is above a plate 4 of matte and uniform color, forming a homogeneous and contrasted background for imaging the stripped portion of the electric wire. In a second miniature vice 2, there is an electric wire positioned in its crimping 5. Also referred to as a terminal to designate a crimping of electric wire. This electric wire is pinched in a miniature vice at its insulating envelope. The crimped portion is above the plate 4, forming a homogeneous and contrasted background for imaging the crimped part of the electric wire.

As many miniature vices as necessary could be provided to carry out all the desired measurements to control the quality of a crimping of electrical wire at different stages of the crimping operation (for example using views of the electric wire before and after crimping and using perspective and sectional views).

The miniature vices are aligned along a line D along which the support 1 extends. Each miniature vice 2 is formed of a jaw 6 having two planar and orthogonal flattening surfaces 7 (see FIG. 1B) to the right D.

FIG. 1B illustrates more particularly the principle of an embodiment of miniature vices 2.

Each miniature vise includes:

a first jaw member 11 fixed;

a second jaw member 12 movable (one can also speak of mobile jaw).

The second jaw member is connected to a spring 13 which holds the second jaw member 12 near the first jaw member. In this way, the second jaw member of the first jaw member can be moved apart to insert a sample to be squeezed between the two and then clamp the sample between the two jaw members.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B, using a rear face of a neighboring miniature vise 2 to form the first jaw member 11 of another miniature vice.

The second jaw member 12 can be moved by hand, with two fingers, by means of a rod 14. An upper plate 15 comprises an elongated opening and forming a guide for the tip 14.

One can imagine any other known embodiment for a vise, for example using a clamping handle or a clamping screw to open and close the jaw, and / or wherein the two jaw members are movable.

We will now describe, with reference to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of support 1 according to the invention. Figure 2 will only be described for its differences from Figure 1A. In Figure 2, miniature vices are shown empty, not pinching any element such as an electrical wire.

In this second embodiment according to the invention, the support 1 comprises means for receiving an independent vice. These means are formed by a slide 20 adapted to this independent vice.

However, one can provide many other means and providing a removable connection between the support 1 and the independent vice. For example:

- Plugging means (male or female element arranged to fit with a female element respectively male of the independent vice),

permanent magnetization means capable of cooperating with a ferromagnetic surface,

- etc.

FIG. 2 also shows an abutment plate 21 and an adjustment screw 22 for the position of this abutment plate.

An independent vice received in the slide 20 abuts on this stop plate 21. In practice, the independent vice is slid into the slide 20 until reaching an extreme position in which the independent vice is in abutment against the abutment plate 21. The abutment plate 21 is orthogonal to the direction of elongation of the slide (direction of sliding of the independent vice in this slide). By adjusting the position of the abutment plate 21, it is possible to adjust the positioning of a sample held in this independent vice relative to an optical axis of imaging means (see further with reference to FIG. 4).

FIG. 3 illustrates in a perspective view the second embodiment of FIG. 2, receiving an independent vice 30. FIG. 3 will only be described for its different with respect to FIG. Figure 1, the miniature vices are shown each pinching an electrical wire at one of the stages of its crimping.

In FIG. 3, the support is represented with an independent vice 30 fastened to the support by means of the slide 20.

The independent vice 30 as shown in Figure 3 comprises a jaw whose clamping surfaces are oriented parallel to the direction D, and a clamping wheel 32.

This jaw squeezes a split pod into its crimping shaft. It can also be said that this jaw clamps an electrical wire positioned in its crimping, the assembly 31 being cut at this crimping.

The parts to be imaged of the different samples pinched in the miniature vices 2 and in the independent vice 30 are aligned along a straight line parallel to the straight line D along which the support 1 extends.

An advantage of the second embodiment of support 1 according to the invention is that it is possible to fix a vise from another machine to the support 1 according to the invention. In particular, an assembly formed of an electrical wire and its crimping is placed in an independent vice 30 of a cutting machine. With the cutting machine, the assembly is cut in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the electric wire. Then, said set assembly is left in the independent vice 30. The independent vice 30 of the cutting machine is then unhooked, in order to fix it (while it still encloses the thread and its crimping cut) on the support 1 The cutting plane is then perfectly parallel to the shooting plane.

We will now describe more precisely a camera according to the invention and a control system comprising such a housing.

Figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of a control system according to the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a camera housing 40 according to the invention.

The dimensions of this case are for example:

height H: between 30 cm and 40 cm, for example 36 cm;

width: between 15 cm and 25 cm, for example 22 cm;

depth P: between 25 cm and 35 cm, for example 31 cm. This case includes:

measuring space 41, in which a support 1 is placed according to the invention;

a camera device 42 disposed above the measurement space. The camera device 42 points downwards and makes it possible to visualize a sample using a camera comprising a motorized zoom with autofocus; and

- Connection means for in one direction recover the captured images by the camera device and in the other direction to control the camera device.

By choosing a sufficiently compact camera device 42, it is possible to produce a compact, portable and possibly autonomous camera 40.

The camera device 42 includes a camera equipped with an indexed motorized zoom lens and an achromatic lens allowing close-up shooting in order to obtain a high magnification of the samples without distortions.

A measurement plane (or shot plane) is in the measurement space, substantially at the height of the top of the vices, so that a sample held in a miniature vise 2 or an independent vice 30 is in the measurement plan. The measurement plane coincides with the focal plane of the camera device 42.

The housing according to the invention is designed such that the geometry is fixed. In other words, the distance between the sample viewed and the camera remains fixed.

The camera device 42 is of the digital type. We will preferably use a high-resolution camera, and a powerful high-power zoom to cover a field of view for example from 80mm up to 1mm full frame. Under these conditions, the measurement accuracy can reach l / 100 ^th. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the camera device 42 integrates an analog camera. For example, a high resolution camera device 42 with autofocus, miniaturized, color or black and white is provided.

The housing 40 according to the invention may comprise an annular illumination consisting of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged all around the output lens of the camera device 42 and directed into the measurement space 41. With such lighting it ensures excellent homogeneity of light on the sample during shooting. It avoids any problem of orientation of the light source.

The camera device 42 has a certain field of view 43 and an optical axis 49.

The measuring space comprises a slideway 44 for receiving the support 1 and sliding it relative to the field of view 43 and to the optical axis 49 of the camera device 42. Thus, each vial is brought manually and successively (miniature vices 2 or independent vice 30) in the field of view 43 of the camera device 42. More specifically, each of the vices (miniature vices 2 or independent vice 30) is manually and successively aligned with the optical axis 49 of the camera device 42. The samples include electrical wires before and after crimping. These are oriented so that the longitudinal direction of the electric wire is located in the measurement plane, preferably oriented orthogonally to the line D along which the support 1 extends.

The samples also comprise a crimped electrical wire, the assembly formed by the electrical wire and its crimping being cut at the crimping and in a plane orthogonal to the elongation direction of the electric wire (thus a sectional view is available. electrical wire and its crimping). This sample is oriented so that:

the longitudinal direction of the electric wire is oriented orthogonally to the measurement plane, and

- the plane of the section is located in the measurement plane.

In practice, a user moves the medium in the slide between two image acquisitions using the camera 40 according to the invention.

Instead of a slideway 44, it is possible to provide other types of guiding means such as a projecting element engaging in a slideway of the support 1, or a simple rectilinear barrier in the measuring space 41 on which we just press one side of the support 1.

The slide is oriented parallel to the direction of the line D along which the support 1 extends.

The shooting unit 40 according to the invention can be electrically powered by a power supply module (not shown) which can be a rechargeable battery or transformer to connect to a 110/220 volt outlet or other.

The camera housing has (not shown) connection means to a remote processing unit 45.

These connection means can be adapted to enable wireless or wired communication.

These connection means allow the remote processing unit to transmit instructions to the camera device 42. These setpoints can be the zoom, contrast, brightness or possibly focus.

These connection means also make it possible to transfer the signals acquired by the camera device 42 to the remote processing unit 45. An electronic card can also be provided to control the LEDs, on (on / off) and in intensity by means of for example a wheel (not shown) accessible from the outside.

The processing unit 45 and the camera housing 40 together form a system 46 according to the invention for controlling the quality of a crimping of electrical wire.

The processing unit, comprising a display screen, houses a software application for controlling the quality of an electric wire crimping.

To measure quality control characteristics of crimping of an electrical wire, it is controlled to turn on the illumination of the camera housing 40 as well as to turn on the camera device 42.

The image picked up by the camera device 42 is displayed in real time on the display screen of the processing unit 45 which is a laptop or any other equivalent processing unit. This laptop is equipped with conventional software and hardware for a high-performance and communicating microcomputer. This computer further includes a dedicated software application for controlling the quality of a crimping wire.

This software application makes it possible to measure in particular:

a length of bare electrical wire (measurement performed on the electric wire 3 positioned in one of the miniature vises 2, with reference to FIG. 3); - Positioning parameters of the electric wire in its crimping (measurement performed on the electric wire positioned in the other of the miniature vices 2, with reference to Figure 3); and

- characteristics of the section of an assembly formed by a wire and a crimp in which the electric wire is positioned

(This assembly being maintained in the independent vice 30, with reference to Figure 3).

It also makes it possible to implement statistical monitoring of these different measures.

In practice, before carrying out any measurement, the software application must be calibrated. Provision can be made for the use of a test pattern intended to be displayed by the shooting box 40, so as to automatically perform the calibration. After this calibration, the calibration of the system automatically follows the zoom position. Preferably, the calibration is carried out once and for all. The pattern is a comb, that is to say, a white plate on which is engraved a scale millimeter black: each black line is spaced 1mm. The self-calibration consists of placing the test pattern in the measuring plane (that is to say in the measuring space 41) at the level of a sample when it is placed in a vice of the support 1, and aligned with the optical axis of the camera device) and to automatically vary the motorized zoom of the camera device 42 from the lowest to the highest magnification. With each step of zoom, the software application calculates the spacing between two consecutive lines of the chart, and carries out the calibration because the spacing is equal to 1mm. The system is thus calibrated over the entire range of magnifications, given the measurement geometry that is fixed (distance between the camera and the measurement plane of the object). The user is therefore freed from all the constraints related to the shooting.

The present invention therefore proposes a dedicated, integrated and self-calibrated system. The software application is 100% dedicated to controlling the quality of crimping an electrical wire. The usual measurements are predefined to simplify use and improve productivity in a laboratory or near a production line. The software application also provides a complete history of the measurements made.

Figure 4 also illustrates other advantages of the camera housing according to the invention. FIG. 4 shows, diagrammatically, electrolysis cleaning means 47.

Also shown in Figure 4, shown schematically, means 48 for blowing gas under pressure.

These means will be described further with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a shooting box 40 according to the invention.

It contains the elements illustrated schematically in Figure 4, including a slide 44 receiving a support 1 according to the invention.

FIG. 5 also shows an electrolysis cleaning pen 50, stored in a pot 51 integral with the camera housing 40. This electrolysis cleaning pen 50 connected to an internal control card of the housing forms the cleaning means 47. electrolysis.

The electric circuit is closed by the slide 44 also called guide sole.

This pen is electrically connected directly to the camera housing 40, via a flexible electrical cable. In the figure, the pen is retained, via said flexible cable, on the front of the housing. Alternatively, this flexible cable can from the back of the housing. The pen 50 can be detachably connected to the casing 40. In this case, the casing 40 may have connection means adapted for connection with one end of the flexible cable attached to the pen 50.

The electrolysis cleaning pen makes it possible to apply an adequate quantity of electrolyte solution. This pen usually has an end formed by a pad soaked with electrolyte solution. The pen forms, for example, an anode while a part to be cleaned forms cathode.

The electrolysis cleaning means which are well known to those skilled in the art will not be described further here. The present invention has the advantage of integrating such means to a camera housing, without the need to provide a separate power supply for these means.

Electrolysis is a method that allows chemical reactions to be performed by means of electrical activation. Electrolytic cleaning means are used in particular for polishing a conductive material after its sawing, for example the assembly 31 formed by an electric wire and its crimping, the assembly having been cut at the crimping.

Figure 5 also shows an air outlet pipe 52. This pipe is connected to means 48 for blowing gas under pressure. In particular, it may be means for blowing compressed air. These means are housed inside the camera housing. For example, the air outlet pipe may be used for blowing droplets of electrolyte solution after use of the electrolysis cleaning means 47. The pressurized gas blowing means, which are well known, will not be described further here. of the skilled person. The present invention has the advantage of integrating such means to a camera housing.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary image obtained by means of the camera 40. This image shows the assembly formed by the electrical wire and its crimping, the assembly 31 being cut at the crimping. The cutting plane is viewed from above by the camera device 42.

The software application housed in the processing unit 45 includes software tools for detecting the contours of the crimping cup 60 and for counting a number of conductor strands 61 of the crimped wire.

The detection of the contour of the crimping cup 60 comprises:

- a detection of the contour of the crimping on the external side, carried out automatically by the software; and

- a detection of the contour of the crimping on the inner side, performed semi-automatically by the software.

Before any contour detection, it is also possible to automatically measure a height and width of a rectangle in which the outer contour of the crimp is inscribed. It is also possible to calculate an inner surface of the crimp (surface containing the conductive wires).

It should be noted that each of the above measures can be performed automatically and / or semi-automatically. One could also consider that these measurements are carried out manually by human operator. Figure 7 illustrates a side view of an electrical wire positioned in its crimping and imaged with a camera housing according to the invention. The software application housed in the processing unit 45 includes software tools to perform certain measures such as:

a measurement of a length 70 of insulating envelope (also called insulating sheath) protruding inside the crimping (also called crimping lug), out of a crimping portion enclosing the electric wire at its level; insulating envelope;

a measurement of a length 71 of conductor strands protruding inside the crimping, out of a crimping portion enclosing the electrical wire at its stripped portion.

Depending on the particular constraints of the application, other measures may be provided.

FIG. 7 also shows the plane 72 which is the plane of section of the wire positioned in its crimping and sectioned at this crimping, as represented in FIG. 6.

The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of automobiles, aeronautics, household appliances, and any other field in which one may wish to check the quality of a crimping of electric wire. We can speak more generally of crimping control.

These controls can be implemented in the laboratory or directly in the immediate vicinity of a production line. Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described and many adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

In particular all the features, shapes, variants and embodiments described above are combinable with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other.

Claims

1. Support (1) for receiving samples to be optically controlled, characterized in that it comprises, arranged one after the other, at least two miniature vices (2) each arranged to independently maintain a dedicated sample, each vice miniature (2) being dedicated to a given control of the quality of a crimping of electric wire.

2. Support (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the miniature vises (2) are aligned along a straight line (D) defining an elongation direction of the support (1), and in that each miniature vice (2 ) comprises a jaw having two plane clamping surfaces (7) oriented orthogonally to the direction of elongation.

3. Support (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises means (20) for receiving, following the miniature vices (2), an independent vice (30) arranged to maintain independently a dedicated sample.

4. Support (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the independent vice (30) is arranged to abut against abutment means (21), when received by the means (20) for receiving an independent vice, and in that the abutment means (21) have means (22) for adjusting their position.

5. Support (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each miniature vice (2) comprises:

a first fixed jaw element (11),

a second movable jaw member (12) and held against the first jaw member by elastic return means (13), and

- gripping means (14) for manually moving the second jaw member (12) relative to the first jaw member (11) and against a restoring force exerted by the elastic return means (14).

6. Shooting box (40) comprising

a measuring space (41) capable of receiving at least one sample to be displayed,

a camera device (42) disposed above the measurement space (41) and able to display a sample using a camera with motorized zoom and autofocus, and

input / output connection means for recovering images captured by the camera device and controlling said camera device, characterized in that it receives in the measuring space a support (1) according to any one of claims 1 to And an axial guiding device (44) arranged to successively bring the samples into an optical axis of the camera device.

Camera housing (40) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the axial guiding device comprises a rectilinear slideway (44) arranged in the measurement space (41), the support (1) and the slideway. (44) being adjusted to each other so that the carrier (1) can slide under the camera device (42) and in the slide (44) to successively bring the samples into the optical axis of the camera device .

Shooting housing (40) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that each miniature clamp (2) comprises a jaw having two clamping surfaces (7) which are flat and orthogonal to the direction of elongation of the clamping device. axial guidance (44).

9. Camera housing (40) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that it further comprises electrolysis cleaning means (47).

A camera (40) according to claim 9, characterized in that the electrolysis cleaning means (47) comprises an electrolysis cleaning stylet (50) connected to the housing (40) by a flexible cable.

11. Shooting housing (40) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises pressurized gas blowing means (48) located inside the housing (1). ), and in that said blowing means (48) are connected to a flexible tube (52) extending outside the housing, so that the pressurized gas can be blown out of the housing by one end of the flexible tube .

12. System (46) for checking the quality of a crimping of an electric wire, characterized in that it comprises:

- a shooting box (40) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, and

- a processing unit (45) associated with a display screen and connected to the camera (40), this processing unit (45) housing a software application for quality control of a crimping of electric wire .

13. System (46) according to claim 12, characterized in that the software application for quality control of a crimping of electrical wire comprises dedicated tools for particular to detect the contours of the crimping (60) and to count a number of conductor strands (61), in a sectional view of an electrical wire positioned in its crimp and comprising a plurality of strands of conductors.

14. A method of using the camera housing (40) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that one places:

- In a first miniature vise (2), an electric wire (3) to crimp and one end is stripped;

in a second miniature vice (2), an electric wire positioned in its crimping (5); and

in a third vice (30), an assembly formed by an electric wire positioned in its crimping, the assembly being cut at this crimping,

and in that one measures successively, by sliding the support (1) under the shooting box: - a length of bare electrical wire;

- Positioning parameters of the electric wire in its crimping; and

characteristics of the section of the assembly formed by the electric wire and its crimping.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that a vice is used as the third vice (30) from a machine dedicated to cutting the assembly formed by an electric wire positioned in its crimping. in a manner sufficient to move, to fix it on the support (1), the third vice (30) maintaining said assembly having been cut at the crimping in a plane substantially orthogonal to a direction of elongation of the electric wire.