EP3302840B1 - Production system for producing workpieces from sheet metal and method therefor - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a production plant and a process for the production of workpieces made of sheet metal, in particular by forming,
The US 5,138,865 A describes a bending machine with a lower and an upper clamping jaws, between which the metal sheet to be formed or the already preformed workpiece to be produced for the bending operation can be clamped. For manipulation of the sheet, a manipulator is provided, which has a fixed and a movable gripping tongs. The fixed gripping tongs simultaneously forms a bearing surface for the sheet metal. In a first embodiment of the manipulator, the gripping tongs are arranged laterally next to the clamping jaws in the longitudinal extent of the bending region and can thus be moved past the clamping jaws, without colliding with them. In a further embodiment, the gripping tongs arranged above and below the sheet to be held can be adjusted close to the bending area. For this purpose, recesses are provided in both jaws on the side facing away from the bending area. By both sides and at the shape of the pliers-like gripper adapted recess cross-section, the jaws were weakened in their facing each clamping areas too strong

From the JP 2001 030023 A a device and a method is known, wherein the tool change can be performed easily and safely manually within a bending machine.

From the EP 1 967 300 B1 For example, a bending machine for bending flat metal elements such as panels, sheets, plates or the like and a corresponding bending method has become known. The bending machine has a support plane formed of a plurality of section bars, which are placed substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart, and aligned along the direction of feeding / removal of the metallic flat member. At this support level, the metallic flat element to be bent can be positioned. By means of a bending assembly, a portion of the metallic flat element can be bent upwards or downwards. Furthermore, a suction feed group is provided, which is assigned to the support level and which is suitable for selectively supplying the metallic flat element to the bending group. The feed group comprises one or more suction members, which are aligned in a direction substantially transverse to the metallic flat element to be bent. In whose Resting position, these are placed below the support plane and are connected to each other, by means of the suction organs, the metallic flat element is held at the support level. The suction organs are further movable in a coplanar manner and / or by lifting with respect to the support plane by means of a movement organ, which movement organ is placed below the support plane. By means of this suction feed group, furthermore, a tensile force can be exerted on the metallic flat element in the direction of the support plane. It is also possible to move the metallic flat element substantially coplanar with respect to the support plane.

From the DE 196 21 658 A1 is a processing machine for plate-shaped workpieces, in particular for the production of curved edges of sheet metal parts, known. The processing machine, in particular a bending machine, makes it possible to bend plate-shaped workpieces especially the edges and also to trim or punch. The workpieces can be detected with a belonging to a manipulator clamp and supplied to a tool and a holder. The manipulator with its clamping forceps is arranged and stored above the working plane of the workpiece support. The clamp is in addition to a transverse or perpendicular to the tool-oriented displaceability also parallel to adjustable and also rotatably mounted about an axis perpendicular to the workpiece plane axis. As a result, the workpieces can be detected at any point and then fed. In order to place the lower part of the gripper on the underside of the workpiece to be machined, the horizontal workpiece support is formed by upstanding bristles, which can be converted as needed by the lower gripping pliers part when immersed in them. This could indeed be clamped on both sides due to the relatively narrow, vertical design of the front, upper gripper arm already workpieces, which were relatively short in the vertical direction with respect to the bending region. However, this was not sufficient in some applications.

The present invention is based on the object, even the handling and manipulation of sheets or already partially formed workpieces located in the vicinity of the front surface of the jaws ends of sheets or already formed legs of workpieces to allow without compromising the strength of the jaws in the Too strong weakening of the clamping area.

This object of the invention is achieved in that the manipulation device further comprises at least one plate-shaped second manipulator, which forms a support surface on its side facing the sheet metal or the workpiece to be produced, and in or on which support surface at least one second holding element is arranged or formed, and that in one of the clamping jaws in its clamping surface at least one recess is arranged, which recess is formed starting from the clamping surface over a height in the vertical direction with respect to the clamping surface recessed in the jaws in and extending in the direction of a bending region, and that the plate-shaped second manipulator has a thickness in the vertical direction with respect to the clamping surface, which corresponds at most to the height of the recess and for manipulating the sheet to be machined or the workpiece to be produced at least partially in the at least one recess is received.

The advantage achieved thereby is that a flat structural unit can be created by the plate-shaped or strip-shaped formation of the second manipulator in the direction of the bending area, which is applied thereto only on one side of the sheet to be processed for the manipulation thereof and over the in or on the support surface formed own second holding elements can be kept positioned. Thus, it is possible to spend with open jaws the sheet to be machined or the already pre-bent workpiece by means of the second manipulator between the still spaced apart arranged clamping surfaces. In this case, the at least one second manipulator can be inserted into the recess formed in the respective clamping jaw or protrude into the latter, as a result of which a holding of the sheet in the covering area can take place with at least one of the clamping surfaces. With an appropriate choice of the thickness of the second manipulator or with respect to the height of the recess in the vertical direction so the sheet in the recess supported by the respective manipulator and beyond with a corresponding dimensional adjustment also a clamping effect can be achieved. As a result of the at least partially protrusion of the second manipulator into the recess, depending on the longitudinal extent of the manipulator (s) in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the bending region, a sufficient supporting effect and optionally also a clamping action can be achieved. Depending on the arrangement of the recess in the lower or upper jaws, the dimensions of the jaws in the "X" direction correspond to those of conventional jaws. Since the sheet metal can be held by the manipulator with the at least one second holding element, the clamping length in the "X" direction including a possible small gap distance represents the length which corresponds to the narrowest component to be clamped.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one recess, starting from a front face of the clamping jaw facing away from a bending region of the clamping jaws, extends into the latter. In this way, the second manipulator can also be arranged in the area of the operating side of the bending machine and an unhindered, continuous bending area can be created on the side of the clamping jaws facing away from the operating side.

Another embodiment is characterized in that the recess extends over the entire longitudinal extension of the clamping jaws. This can be done in the longitudinal extent of the bending area continuous or even in some areas arrangement of the second or the manipulators. In addition, but also an increased space for positioning can be created, with even a multiple arrangement of manipulators can be made possible.

Another possible embodiment has the features that the at least one recess is arranged in the lower jaw or jaws. This creates sufficient clearance on the side away from the support plane of the support table side of the sheet to be machined. In addition, no disturbing manipulator parts are arranged here, since an additional support surface for the metal sheet can thus be created in the region of the second manipulator.

A further embodiment provides that the at least one second manipulator is supported at its position accommodated in the recess on a base surface of the recess in the vertical direction with respect to the clamping surface thereof. Thus, a higher clamping force can be created with a correspondingly formed thickness with respect to the height of the recess on the opposite clamping surfaces of the jaws.

Another embodiment is characterized in that a plurality of second manipulators are provided in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the jaw or jaws. By the Multiple arrangement of the second manipulators can thus not only a better support effect but also for wider sheets to be machined a more accurate positioning accuracy can be achieved.

A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the at least one second holding element of the at least one second manipulator is formed by a magnet or a vacuum-based suction element. Thus, a sufficient support or fixing the position of the sheet to be positioned during the positioning process and the subsequent removal from the clamping area can be created at the same time directly in the area formed by the second manipulator support surface.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one second manipulator with its support surface is adjustable, in particular pivotable, from a position located outside the support plane, in particular below it, into a position of the support surface located in the support plane. This makes it possible to pivot the or the second manipulators only when needed in the region of the support plane of the support table and thus to be able to achieve a positioning within the coverage area of the clamping surfaces even in "X" direction relatively short sheets.

Another embodiment is characterized in that the at least one second manipulator is held relative to this in the support plane in the support plane located in the support plane position of its support surface on the support table relative to this. Thus, the support table or its base frame can be placed stationary in front of the bending machine and still sufficient manipulation by the or the second manipulators can be achieved.

A further possible embodiment has the features that an end region of the support table facing the clamping jaws with its support surface is adjustable, in particular hinged, from a position located in the support plane to a position located outside the support plane. This can be created in the intermediate region between the support table and the jaws of the clamping tool sufficient working space for the second manipulator or when they are located in the use or working position. By folding down at least the end area the support table can then hineinverstellt in the shared workspace of at least one second manipulator, in particular swiveled in, so as to create a sufficient support for the sheet in this area and on the other hand to perform the exact positioning.

A further embodiment provides that the at least one second manipulator is formed by a portion of the support table in the region of its support plane. By correspondingly forming the part of the support table facing the bending machine as its own manipulator, at least a portion of the support table can perform the corresponding positioning and aligning operations of the sheet with respect to the bending area by relative displacement with respect to the jaws.

Another embodiment is characterized in that at least one support element is arranged or accommodated in the at least one recess when the position of the at least one second manipulator is outside the recess. Thus, in normal operation between the mutually facing jaws with their clamping surfaces formed thereon, a support for the sheet can be created in the region of at least one recess.

A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the at least one support element ends in a planar manner with the clamping surface formed on the clamping jaw and is supported on a base surface of the recess. Thus, in addition, also a directly opposite clamping area can be created.

The object of the invention is, however, independently solved by a method for the production of workpieces made of sheet metal, in particular by the forming that the sheet or the workpiece to be produced is stored by a first manipulator of a manipulation device on a bearing surface defining a support surface of a support table,
then the sheet or the workpiece to be produced by at least one plate-shaped second manipulator of the manipulation device on the sheet metal or support surface facing the workpiece to be produced is held by at least one holding element arranged or formed on or in the support surface,
then the sheet metal or the workpiece to be produced is displaced further in the direction of a bending region formed by the clamping jaws by means of the at least one second manipulator between spaced-apart clamping surfaces of clamping jaws,
and that in this case the at least one plate-shaped second manipulator is at least partially received in at least one recess formed in one of the clamping jaws in the clamping surface, wherein the at least one recess, starting from the clamping surface over a height in the vertical direction with respect to the clamping surface recessed in the jaws is formed extending in and in the direction of the bending region,
and that the plate-shaped second manipulator is formed with a thickness in the vertical direction with respect to the clamping surface, which corresponds at most to the height of the recess.

The advantages achieved by the combination of features of this claim are that a flat structural unit can be created by the plate-shaped or in the direction of the bending area strip-shaped formation of the second manipulator, which on only one side of the sheet to be machined for the manipulation of the same and created the formed in or on the support surface own second holding elements can be kept positioned. Thus, it is possible to spend with open jaws the sheet to be machined or the already pre-bent workpiece by means of the second manipulator between the still spaced apart arranged clamping surfaces. In this case, the at least one second manipulator can be inserted into the recess formed in the respective clamping jaw or protrude into the latter, as a result of which a holding of the sheet in the covering area can take place with at least one of the clamping surfaces. With an appropriate choice of the thickness of the second manipulator or with respect to the height of the recess in the vertical direction so the sheet in the recess supported by the respective manipulator and beyond with a corresponding dimensional adjustment also a clamping effect can be achieved. As a result of the at least partially protruding of the second manipulator into the recess, it is thus possible, depending on the longitudinal extent of the or Manipulators in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the bending region a sufficient supporting effect and optionally also a clamping action can be achieved. Depending on the arrangement of the recess in the lower or upper jaws, the dimensions of the jaws in the "X" direction may correspond to those of conventional jaws. Since the sheet metal can be held by the manipulator with the at least one second holding element, the clamping length in the "X" direction including a possible small gap distance represents the length which corresponds to the narrowest component to be clamped.

Finally, an approach is advantageous in which, before the introduction of the at least one second manipulator into the at least one recess, at least one support element accommodated therein is displaced out. Thus, in normal operation between the mutually facing jaws with their clamping surfaces formed thereon, sufficient support for the metal sheet and possibly also a clamping of the sheet between the jaws can be created in the region of the at least one recess.

For a better understanding of the invention, this will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

Fig. 1

eine Biegemaschine einer Fertigungsanlage in Frontansicht, bei entferntem Auflagetisch sowie entfernter Manipulationsvorrichtung;

Fig. 2

die Fertigungsanlage in Seitenansicht, gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

einen Teilabschnitt des Klemmwerkzeugs, in Seitenansicht geschnitten sowie vergrößerter Darstellung.

In each case, in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

Fig. 1

a bending machine of a manufacturing plant in front view, with a remote support table and remote manipulation device;

Fig. 2

the manufacturing plant in side view, according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a section of the clamping tool, cut in side view and enlarged view.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, wherein the disclosures contained throughout the description are transmitted mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference numerals or component names can. Also, the position information selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and these position information in a change in position mutatis mutandis to transfer to the new location.

The term "in particular" is understood below to mean that it may be a more specific training or specification of an object or a method step, but not necessarily a mandatory, preferred embodiment thereof or a procedure must be.

In the Fig. 1 to 3 a production plant 1 is shown in a highly schematically simplified representation, which is formed in the present case in particular for the swivel bending or bending of bending to be produced from sheet metal workpieces 2. As a starting material, a metallic material is usually used, which can be referred to in its undeformed state as a flat material or flat element.

The manufacturing plant 1 used for bending in the present case comprises a bending machine 3, in particular a press or bending press, which is designed to clamp the workpieces 2 or workpieces to be produced from the sheet metal between a clamping tool 4 which is adjustable relative to one another. The clamping tool 4 comprises in the present embodiment, at least one, but preferably a plurality of lower jaws 5 and at least one, but preferably more cooperating upper jaws 6. The lower jaw or 5 can also as a lower cheek and the or the upper jaws 6 can also be referred to as the upper cheek.

As a coordinate system in such a bending machine 3 is basically referred to as "X" direction that runs in a horizontal plane and in a vertical orientation with respect to the longitudinal extension of the jaws 5, 6. Thus, this is the direction which also corresponds to the feed direction or the withdrawal direction. As "Y" direction, the vertical direction is understood, which thus extends in the height direction of the jaws 5, 6. Finally, the "Z" direction is understood to be the direction which runs in the longitudinal direction or in the longitudinal extent of the clamping jaws 5, 6. This is also the Longitudinal extension of the later-described bending edge aligned in the "Z" direction.

The at least one upper clamping jaw 6 is arranged above the workpiece 2 to be manufactured on the bending machine 3 and held there accordingly, in particular clamped. Also, the at least one lower jaw 5 is held on the bending machine 3, in particular clamped.

A machine frame 7 of the bending machine 3 comprises, for example, vertically upstanding from a base plate 8 and mutually parallel side cheeks 9, 10. These are preferably interconnected by a solid, formed for example of a sheet metal part cross member 11 at their spaced from the bottom plate 8 end regions , The machine frame 7 is usually a solid, preferably on a flat hall floor fixed component of the bending machine 3. The shape shown here has been chosen only as an example for a variety of other possible training.

The side cheeks 9, 10 may be formed to form a clearance for the forming of the workpiece 2 preferably in approximately C-shaped, wherein attached to front end faces 12 of bottom flanges of the side cheeks 9, 10 a fixed, in particular on the bottom plate 8 upstanding lower clamping bar 13 is, which can also be referred to as a pressing bar. This preferably stationary arranged and fixed lower clamping bar 13 may also be referred to as a clamping table, are arranged on the parts of the bending tool 4 and also held thereon. At the front end faces 14, a further upper clamping bar 16, in particular a pressure bar, which is relatively adjustable relative to the lower clamping bar 13, is guided on the leg remote from the base plate 8 in clamping bar guides 15. The clamping bar guides 15 are usually designed as linear guides in a variety of embodiments. This further clamping bar 16 may also be referred to as a pressing bar, which, however, is displaceable relative to the machine frame 7 on this. On opposite, mutually parallel end surfaces 17, 18 of the two clamping bars 13, 16 can jaw receiving 19, 20 are arranged for assembly with the clamping tools 4. That or the clamping tools 4 can also be held with the interposition of an adapter, not shown, on the jaw receivers 19, 20.

The bending machine 3 shown has, as a drive arrangement 21 for the adjustable upper clamping bar 16, namely the pressure bar, at least one drive means 22 operated with electrical energy, which are line-connected to a control device 24 fed from a power grid 23. By way of example, the operation of the bending machine 3 can be controlled via a line-connected input terminal 25 connected to the control device 24.

The drive means 22 are preferably electromotively operated spindle drives 26, as they are generally known, of which adjusting means 27 for a reversible actuating movement of the upper clamping bar 16 formed by the pressure bar with this, for example, are drive-connected. However, other drive means 22 known from the prior art, such as e.g. Cylinder piston assemblies, stepper motors, rack drives or the like can be used.

Further details required for the operation of such a bending machine 3, such as safety devices, stop arrangements and / or control devices, are omitted from the description to avoid unnecessary length of description.

It is further simplified here that the two clamping bars 13, 16, in particular their tool holders 19, 20, or the clamping tool 4 held thereon with his or her lower and upper jaws 5, 6, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the clamping bar thirteenth , 16 define an adjustment plane 28 extending therebetween. The adjusting plane 28 preferably extends centrally with respect to the clamping bars 13, 16 or the jaw receivers 19, 20 arranged on them. In the present exemplary embodiment, a vertically oriented plane is understood here. The two jaws 5, 6 form a clamping region 29 between them at mutually facing ends. Mutually facing lower and upper clamping surfaces 30, 31 of the two clamping jaws 5, 6 are preferably aligned at right angles with respect to the adjusting plane 28. These clamping surfaces 30, 31 serve to keep the sheet, depending on its wall thickness for carrying out the bending operation between the two jaws 5, 6 positioned.

An additional support table 32 with its support surface defining a bearing surface 33 is preferably arranged in the region of the front side of the bending machine 3. The support plane 33 can also be referred to as a support plane. It should be noted that the support surface need not be formed over the entire surface but can also be formed from several in the feed direction of the sheet to be processed next to each other and / or successively arranged support part surfaces. The bearing surface 33 defined by the bearing surface is preferably arranged in the same plane as the lower clamping surface 30 of the lower jaw 5. This is used in larger sheets as additional support to avoid accidental kinking, especially with thinner sheets.

A bending region 34 is understood to be that region which serves to form the workpiece 2 to be produced from the sheet metal, which is still mostly flat, or to further process an already pre-formed workpiece 2 by forming at least one additional bend.

The bending region 34 is usually spaced from the adjustment plane 28 of the clamping bar 13, 16 and is formed by mutually facing end portions of at least one, but preferably both jaws 5, 6. In the present embodiment, the bending region 34 is disposed on the side facing away from the support table 32 or an operator not shown side of the clamping bar 13, 16. Thus, the bending region 34 is arranged to extend within the machine frame 7.

The bending region 34 usually forms a preferably rectilinear bending line on the workpiece 2 to be produced, with legs forming on both sides of the bending region 34 as a result of the bending process performed. One of the legs of the workpiece 2 is held in clamping position between the two clamping surfaces 30, 31 of the jaws 5, 6, wherein the at least one further leg outside of the clamping surfaces 30, 31 is arranged. Depending on the desired or produced geometry of the workpiece 2, the two legs enclose between them a bending angle. This bending angle is measured in a reference plane aligned perpendicular to the bending line. The reference plane, for its part, is furthermore preferably also aligned with respect to the adjustment plane 28 in the vertical direction.

It should be noted that the machine frame 7 of the bending machine 3 is shown only very simplified, and it is also possible to use different embodiments thereof. So could e.g. the machine frame 7 and the machine body may be formed with a free stator passage. In this case, the jaw receivers 19, 20 could be received between the side walls 9, 10 and side panels. In another embodiment of the machine frame 7 or of the machine body, no free stator passage is possible, as a result of which the clamping jaw receptacles 19, 20 can not be received between the side cheeks 9, 10 or side parts.

To carry out the bending operation, the bending machine 3 of the production plant 1 also comprises a bending unit 35, which can also be referred to as a bending unit or forming unit. This is simplified in the Fig. 2 indicated and can be adjusted depending on be carried out bending process relative to the machine frame 7 thereto. For better clarity, was in the Fig. 1 dispensed with the representation of the bending unit 35 and its components.

In this case, the pre-positioned between the two jaws 5, 6 held and clamped sheet to form the workpiece 2 by a bending operation, in particular a bending process, along the bending area 34 forming bending line formed, in particular be folded.

Depending on the edge of the sheet metal clamped between the clamping jaws 5, 6 to produce the workpiece 2, either the lower clamping jaw 5 or the upper clamping jaw 6 forms the bending area and thus the bending area 34. Thus, the lower clamping jaw 5 forms or has a first forming edge. The upper jaw 6 forms or has a second forming edge.

The two clamping surfaces 30, 31 of the clamping jaws 5, 6 described above define a workpiece support plane 36 for the workpiece 2 to be produced. Preferably, the workpiece support plane 36 is arranged in the vertical direction at the same height as the support plane 33 defined by the support table 32 , The two planes are aligned plane-parallel to each other and arranged in a common plane.

The bending unit 35 may have one or more bending tools 37, which may be arranged on a bending beam 38. The bending beam 38 may be adjustable relative to the machine frame 7 at not shown bending beam guides by means of a bending beam drive.

Furthermore, in the Fig. 2 and 3 in the area of the mutually facing clamping surfaces 30, 31 of the two oppositely arranged clamping jaws 5, 6 shown yet simplified that recessed in the present embodiment, only in the lower clamping surface 30 from this in "Y" direction recessed at least one recess 39 is arranged. Furthermore, the at least one recess 39, starting from a front face 40 of the lower clamping jaw 5 arranged at a distance from the adjusting plane 28, extends in "X" direction into the clamping jaws 5 in the direction of the bending region 34. The front surface 40 is further arranged in this embodiment on the side facing away from the bending region 34 side of the jaws or 5, 6 and thus facing the operating side. In this recess 39, at least one adjustable in the "Z" direction along the recess 39 support member 41 may be arranged or received. However, it would also be possible to swing the at least one support element 41 out of the recess 39.

In the Fig. 1 are on both sides of the lower jaws 5 each one of the support elements 41 indicated in simplified. The one or more support elements 41 terminate here at their upper sides facing the upper jaw 6 in the lower clamping surface 30 defined by the lower clamping jaws 5 and are thus arranged or formed in a planar manner relative thereto. The one or more support elements 41 can be adjusted or shifted out of the recess 39 if necessary. Preferably, the adjustment takes place in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the clamping bar 13, 16 so as to be able to release at least a portion of the recess 39. The one or more support members 41 serve that the two mutually facing jaws 5, 6 with their clamping surfaces 30, 31 almost to each other over the entire surface, optionally with the interposition of the sheet or the workpiece 2 to be produced, can be supported without the Bending excessively high bending forces in the jaws 5, 6 are introduced by this exemption. Thus, the support element 41 or fill the support elements 41 in their working position, the recess 39 at least for the greater part and can be further supported on the base surface of the recess 39 in the vertical direction with respect to the clamping surfaces 30, 31.

Furthermore, the manufacturing plant 1 also includes a manipulation device 42 with at least one simplified manipulated first manipulator 43 for the usual manipulation of the sheet or the workpiece 2 to be produced in the front or operating area of the bending machine 3. The manipulation of the sheet or the workpiece 2 to be produced therefrom in the region of the support table 32 preferably by the first manipulator 43, of which only a first holding element 44 is shown on a part of a manipulator arm. The first retaining element 44 or the first retaining elements 44 may be e.g. be designed as a suction element and / or as a magnet with which the sheet is held on its side facing away from the support plane 33 of the support table 32 side and subsequently moved relative to the clamping tool 4 and positioned relative to the bending region 34. But it would also be possible to form the first holding element 44 as a gripper with cooperating gripping rings.

Furthermore, in the Fig. 2 also indicated that the one manipulation device 42 also includes at least one second manipulator 45. The second manipulator 45 is shown on the one hand in full lines below the sheet or the workpiece 2 to be produced in a position even before insertion into the recess 39 described above in the lower jaw or 5 and on the other hand in a rest position located outside thereof in dotted lines , The at least one second manipulator 45 is preferably plate-shaped and has a width in the direction of the bending region-that is to say in the "Z" direction, which corresponds to at least one partial section of the longitudinal extent of the clamping jaws 5, 6 and thus also forms a sufficiently large bearing surface , The depth extension in "X" direction is also chosen to an extent, so that here also a correspondingly dimensioned bearing surface can be created.

The adjustment movement of the at least one second manipulator 45 from the non-engaged rest position in the directly below the sheet or the produced Workpiece 2 located manipulation position and vice versa can be done very different. This can be done for example by a pivoting operation, by means of which the at least one second manipulator 45 is adjusted between the two positions described above. However, it would also be possible for other adjustment mechanisms to be used for this purpose. For this purpose, the second manipulator 45 with one or more, but not shown actuators are in driving connection. However, it would also be possible to combine different linear movements into a corresponding sequence of movements in order thus to carry out the displacement of the second manipulator or manipulators 45. But it could also be used other kinematic adjusting mechanisms. These include, for example, adjusting cams, cams, crank mechanisms, pivot lever arrangements or the like.

In the Fig. 3 is a portion of the bending machine 3 in the region of the clamping tool 4 cut in side view and shown on an enlarged scale.

In this view, the recess 39 described above can be seen, which extends from the clamping surface 30 or 31 via a height 46 in the vertical direction with respect to the clamping surface 30 or 31 recessed into the jaws 5 or 6 inside. The recess 39 extends further in the direction or longitudinal direction of the bending region 34. A possible folded-down, pivoted-away or displaced position of the at least one second manipulator 45 is indicated in dashed lines. As a result of this adjusting movement, the at least one second manipulator 45 can be moved e.g. are brought into a lateral position in which the plate-shaped body is aligned in the vertical direction with respect to the bending region 34 and is thus arranged parallel to the feed direction.

An alternative position or position in which the second manipulator 45 is also outside its working position or manipulation position, is further in the Fig. 3 shown in dash-dotted lines. In this further position, the longitudinal extension of the at least one second manipulator 45 extends approximately parallel with respect to the bending region 34 and thus in the "Z" direction.

It can also be seen here that the at least one recess 39 is arranged starting from a front surface 40 of the clamping jaw 5 or 6 facing away from the bending region 34 of the clamping jaw 5 or 6. Thus, the recess 39 extends starting from the front surface 40 in the direction of the bending region 34. The longitudinal extension of the recess 39 is to be selected such that this at least a length of the at least one second manipulator 45 in the direction of the bending region 34 plus an adjustment and / or positioning of the second manipulator 45th in the same direction. Preferably, the recess 39 may also extend over the entire longitudinal extension of the jaws or 5 or 6, as shown in the Fig. 2 is indicated in simplified.

In order to be able to use the at least one plate-shaped second manipulator 45 in the recess 39 provided for this purpose, the above-described support element 41 or the support elements 41 is at least partially displaced from the recess 39. This is also simplified in the Fig. 2 indicated.

If a sufficient free space is created in the recess 39, the sheet metal or the workpiece 2 can now be brought into the region of the at least one second manipulator 45 by means of the at least one first manipulator 43. For this purpose, the plate-shaped or flat-profile-like second manipulator 45 has a support surface 47 on its side facing the sheet metal or the workpiece 2 to be produced.

Furthermore, in the Fig. 3 in a simplified representation, at least one second holding element 48 is arranged or formed on or in the support surface 47. The or the second holding elements 48 serve to keep the sheet or the workpiece to be produced in the course of the transfer from the first manipulator 43 to the second manipulator 45 in a fixed position. The at least one second holding element 48 of the at least one second manipulator 45 may be formed by a magnet or by a vacuum-based suction element or the like, depending on the material of the workpiece 2 or sheet.

Now, if the sheet or the workpiece to be produced 2 held on the second plate-shaped second manipulator 45 and passed to this, the sheet or the workpiece 2 to be produced therefrom by means of the second manipulator 45 between the spaced apart clamping surfaces 30, 31 and thus between the both jaws 5, 6 are further adjusted. In order to enable a collision and a deep inward adjustment of the second manipulator 45, the at least one recess 39 is provided for receiving the same between the clamping jaws 5, 6.

The plate-shaped or flat profile-like second manipulator 45 has a thickness 49 in the vertical direction with respect to the clamping surface 30 or 31, which corresponds at most to the height 46 of the recess 39. In this way, protrusion of the support surface 47 of the second manipulator 45 over the clamping surface 30 or 31, in particular over the workpiece support plane 36, can be prevented. Preferably, the thickness 49 of the second manipulator or 45 corresponds to the height 46 of the recess 39 rather exactly or exactly. If the at least one second manipulator 45 is in its at least partially received in the recess 39 position, this can at a base of the recess 39 in vertical direction with respect to the clamping surface 30 or 31 to be supported thereon. Thus, a force transmission from both jaws 5, 6 are exercised over the clamping length in the X direction on the sheet or the workpiece 2. Furthermore, it is still possible that a plurality of second manipulators 45 are provided in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the clamping jaws 5 or 6.

Thus, also in the region of the recess 39, within which the second manipulator 45 protrudes and the sheet is held thereon, on the one hand a support for the sheet are created and on the other hand also a clamping effect starting from the second manipulator 45 opposite clamping surface 31 or 30th be achieved on the plate and with the interposition of the second manipulator 45 on the jaws 5 or 6.

Furthermore, it is shown here that the at least one recess 39 is arranged only in the lower jaw or 5. Regardless, it would also be possible to provide the arrangement of the recess 39 only in the upper jaw 6 and the upper jaws 6. Usually, however, the recess 39 is formed exclusively in the or the lower jaws 5.

As now in the Fig. 2 1, an end region of the support table 32 facing the clamping jaws 5, 6 can be adjusted with its support surface from a position located in the support plane 33 into a position located outside the support plane 33. This can be done for example by folding or swinging away by means not shown adjusting means or actuators.

If the at least one second manipulator 45 is not in use, this is with its support surface 47 outside the support plane 33 of the support table 32, as shown in the Fig. 3 indicated in dashed lines. This is usually a folded-down position of the second manipulator 45. The at least one second manipulator 45 can furthermore be arranged laterally with respect to the end portion of the support table 32 facing the clamping jaws 5, 6, which or which may likewise be designed to be pivotable or hinged.

If the end region of the support table 32 is also brought into the position located outside the support plane 33, a free space is created in which the at least one second manipulator 45 can be moved. Since the at least one second manipulator 45 with its support surface 47 is usually located in a position below and thus outside the support plane 33, this can be adjusted for its use with its support surface 47 in a position located in the support plane 33 position of the support surface 47, in particular be pivoted. If the at least one second manipulator 45 is now located with its support surface 47 in the support plane 33, it can be displaced relative to the support table 32 in the support plane 33 relative thereto. For this purpose, the at least one second manipulator 45 on the support table 32 in particular a frame frame thereof be kept adjustable and adjusted by means not shown adjusting means.

Regardless, it would also be possible for the at least one second manipulator 45 to be formed by a partial area of the support table 32 in the region of its support plane 33. For this purpose, at least a portion of the support table 32 relative to the bending machine 3 independently of the rest of the support table 32 by means of further adjusting means adjustable in the support plane 33 form.

From the representation of Fig. 3 It can be seen that between the upstanding in front of the front surface 40 legs of the workpiece 2 to be produced and the clamping jaw 6 is no sufficient space for in the Fig. 2 shown first retaining element 44 of the first manipulator 43 in the region of the top of the sheet or workpiece 2 is present. The gap between the upper jaw 6 and the upstanding from the workpiece 2 legs is relatively narrow, so attacking with a tongs or other on both sides of the sheet metal Manipulator no handling is possible anymore. By providing the second manipulator 45 in its plate-shaped or strip-shaped configuration and the recess 39 formed or arranged here in the lower clamping jaw 5, the sheet metal or the workpiece 2 can nevertheless be held and manipulated on its underside facing the workpiece support plane 36. The clamping length between the jaws 5, 6 in "X" direction remains almost unchanged, since the second manipulator 45 in its inserted into the recess 39 position and with correspondingly matched dimensions (height 46 of the recess 39 and thickness 49 of the second manipulator 45th ) Also in the region of the recess 39, a clamping of the sheet or the workpiece 2 between the jaws 5, 6 is possible.

All information on ranges of values in objective description should be understood to include these arbitrary and all sub-ranges thereof, eg the indication 1 to 10 should be understood to encompass all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10 that is, all portions begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end at an upper limit of 10 or less, eg, 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the structure of the production plant 1, in particular its manipulation device 42 and the correspondingly designed clamping jaws 5 or 6, these or their components have been shown partly unevenly and / or enlarged and / or reduced. <B> Reference Numbers </ b> 1 manufacturing plant 31 upper clamping surface 2 workpiece 32 support table 3 bending machine 33 support plane 4 Tightening tool 34 bending area 5 lower jaw 35 bending unit 6 upper jaw 36 Workpiece support plane 7 machine frame 37 bending tool 8th baseplate 38 bending beam 9 side cheek 39 recess 10 side cheek 40 front surface 11 cross-dressing 41 support element 12 Front face 42 manipulation device 13 clamping bar 43 first manipulator 14 Front face 44 first holding element 15 Clamping bar guide 45 second manipulator 16 clamping bar 46 height 17 face 47 support surface 18 face 48 second holding element 19 Jaw recording 49 thickness 20 Jaw recording 21 drive arrangement 22 drive means 23 energy grid 24 control device 25 input terminal 26 spindle drive 27 actuating means 28 adjusting plane 29 clamping range 30 lower clamping surface

Claims (15)

1. Production system (1) for producing workpieces (2) from sheet metal, in particular, by reshaping, comprising
   a bending machine (3) with a stationary machine frame (7), a bottom clamping bar (13) with at least one bottom clamping jaw (5) held on it, as well as a top clamping bar (16) with at least one top clamping jaw (6) held on it, wherein one of the clamping bars (13, 16) is adjustable with relation to the machine frame (7) in order to hold the workpiece (2) to be produced between the two clamping jaws (5, 6) clamped, and the at least one bottom clamping jaw (5) comprises a bottom clamping surface (30) on its end region facing the top clamping jaw (6) and the at least one top clamping jaw (6) comprises a top clamping surface (31) on its end region facing the bottom clamping jaw (5), wherein both clamping surfaces (30, 31) define a workpiece supporting plane (36) for the workpiece (2) to be produced in the case of a position abutting each other, as well as a bending unit (35),
   a supporting table (32), which, with its contact surface, defines a supporting plane (33) for the sheet metal or the workpiece (2) to be produced,
   and manipulation apparatus (42) with at least one manipulator (43) with at least one first holding element (44) for the manipulation of the sheet metal or the workpiece (2) to be produced,
   characterized in that
   the manipulation apparatus (42) furthermore comprises at least one plate-shaped second manipulator (45), which second manipulator (45) forms a supporting surface (47) on its side facing the workpiece (2) to be produced, and in or on which supporting surface (47) at least one second holding element (48) is arranged or formed,
   and that, in one of the clamping jaws (5, 6), at least one recess (39) is arranged in its clamping surface (30, 31), which recess (39) is designed to extend starting from the clamping surface (30, 31) across a height (46) in a vertical direction with reference to the clamping surface (30, 31) deepened into the clamping jaws (5, 6), as well as in the direction of a bending region (34),
   and that the plate-shaped second manipulator (45) has a thickness (49) in a vertical direction with reference to the clamping surface (30, 31), which corresponds to the height (46) of the recess (39) as a maximum and is at least partially received in the at least one recess (39) for the manipulation of the sheet metal or the workpiece (2) to be produced.
2. Production system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one recess (39) extends starting from a front surface (40) of the clamping jaws (5, 6) facing away from a bending region (34) of the clamping jaws (5, 6) into this.
3. Production system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the recess (39) extends across the entire longitudinal extension of the clamping jaws (5, 6).
4. Production system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one recess (39) is arranged in the bottom clamping jaw(s) (5).
5. Production system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in its position received in the recess (39), the at least one second manipulator (45) is supported on a base surface of the recess (39) in a vertical direction with reference to the clamping surface (30, 31).
6. Production system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of second manipulators (45) are provided in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the clamping jaw(s) (5, 6).
7. Production system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second holding element (48) of the at least one second manipulator (45) is formed by a magnet or a negative-pressure-based extraction element.
8. Production system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second manipulator (45) with its supporting surface (47) is adjustable from a position located outside of the supporting plane (33), in particular, under the same, into a position of the supporting surface (47) located in the supporting plane (33), in particular, being pivotable.
9. Production system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the case of being in the position of its supporting surface (47) located in the supporting plane (33), the at least one second manipulator (45) is held in an adjustable manner on the supporting table (32) with relation to this in the supporting plane (33).
10. Production system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an end region of the supporting table (32) facing the clamping jaws (5, 6) with its contact surface is adjustable from a position located in the supporting plane (33) into a position located outside of the supporting plane (33), in particular being foldable down.
11. Production system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second manipulator (45) is formed by a subsection of the supporting table (32) in the region of its supporting plane (33).
12. Production system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the case of a position of the at least one second manipulator (45) located outside of the recess (39), at least one supporting element (41) is arranged in the at least one recess (39) or received within it.
13. Production system (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one supporting element (41) ends in a planar manner with the clamping surface (30, 31) formed on the clamping jaws (5, 6) and is supported on a base surface of the recess (39).
14. Method to produce workpieces (2) made of sheet metal, in particular, by means of its reshaping where the sheet metal or the workpiece (2) to be produced is set on a contact surface defining a supporting plane (33) of a supporting table (32) by a first manipulator (43) of a manipulation apparatus (42), characterized in that,
    subsequently, the sheet metal or the workpiece (2) to be produced is held in position by at least one plate-shaped second manipulator (45) of the manipulation apparatus (42) on its supporting surface (47) facing the sheet metal or the workpiece (2) to be produced by at least one holding element (48) formed or arranged on or in the supporting surface (47),
    then, the sheet metal or the workpiece (2) to be produced is further shifted in the direction towards a bending region (34) formed by the clamping jaws (5, 6) by means of the at least one second manipulator (45) between clamping surfaces (30, 31) of the clamping jaws (5, 6) arranged at a distance from one another,
    and that, thereby, the at least one plate-shaped second manipulator (45) is at least partially received in at least one recess (39) formed in one of the clamping jaws (5, 6) in its clamping surface (30, 31), wherein the at least one recess (39) is designed to extend from the clamping surface (30, 31) across a height (46) in a vertical direction with reference to the clamping surface (30, 31) deepened into the clamping jaws (5, 6) as well as in the direction of a bending region (34),
    and that the plate-shaped second manipulator (45) is formed with a thickness (49) in a vertical direction with reference to the clamping surface (30, 31), which corresponds to the height (46) of the recess (39) as a maximum.
15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that, prior to inwardly adjusting the at least one second manipulator (45) into the at least one recess (39), at least one supporting element (41) received within this is adjusted out of this.

Images