Apparatus for optically inspecting an at least partially reflecting surface of an object

An apparatus for optically inspecting an at least partially reflecting surface of an object, the apparatus comprising:

• first and second transverse carriers defining respective substantially circular segment-shaped cutouts;
• said first and second transverse carriers being arranged at a longitudinal distance (D) from each other and said longitudinal distance defining a longitudinal direction;
• a plurality of longitudinal members configured to hold said first and second transverse carriers at said longitudinal distance (D);
• said longitudinal members being arranged at a defined radial distance to said circular segment-shaped cutouts;
• a translucent diffusing screen which is held in said circular segment-shaped cutouts by said transverse carriers to form a tunnel-shaped inspection space;
• a multiplicity of light sources arranged outside of said tunnel-shaped inspection space between said longitudinal members and said diffusing screen;
• said light sources being configured to be controlled individually or in small groups to generate variable light-dark patterns on said diffusing screen;
• wherein said longitudinal members and said diffusing screen form a substantially closed enclosure for providing a cooling air flow past said light sources;
• a workpiece receptacle configured for accommodating the object in said tunnel-shaped inspection space;
• at least one camera which is directed into the tunnel-shaped inspection space;
• and,
• an evaluation and control unit configured to control said light sources and said camera to generate different ones of said light-dark patterns on said diffusing screen and to record and evaluate a plurality of images of said object in dependence on said light-dark patterns.