阅读说明：本技术 用于优化折弯机的折弯工具组合的方法和系统 (Method and system for optimizing bending tool combinations for a bending machine ) 是由 阿尔弗雷德·哈泽尔博克 哈拉尔德·萨克森霍费尔 于 2020-05-08 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于优化折弯机(1)的折弯工具(9、10)组合的方法和系统,所述折弯工具(9、10)由多个依次串联的折弯冲头(14)和由多个在功能上与折弯冲头(14)相互作用的依次串联的折弯模具(11)构成。在此,将来自至少一个代表待制造工件(3)的基础的折弯模型的数据或来自折弯任务批次的多个待顺序执行的折弯任务的数据输入到计算单元(25)中；该计算单元(25)鉴于待实施的折弯模型中的至少一个折弯模型或鉴于至少一个待处理的折弯任务批次为至少单个折弯工具(9、10)确定更换频率系数(30)；在考虑折弯工具(9、10)的相应的更换频率系数(30)的情况下由计算单元(25)确定或建议各个折弯工具(9、10)相对于它们的工具架(12、15)的位置并且在考虑折弯工具(9、10)的更换频率系数(30)的情况下在折弯机(1)中定位折弯工具(9、10)。(The invention relates to a method and a system for optimizing the combination of bending tools (9, 10) of a bending machine (1), said bending tools (9, 10) being composed of a plurality of bending punches (14) connected in series in sequence and of a plurality of bending dies (11) connected in series in sequence, which functionally interact with the bending punches (14). Data from at least one bending model representing the basis of a workpiece (3) to be produced or data from a plurality of bending tasks of a bending task batch to be executed in sequence are input into a computing unit (25); the calculation unit (25) determines a replacement frequency coefficient (30) for at least one bending tool (9, 10) in view of at least one of the bending models to be performed or in view of at least one bending job batch to be processed; the position of the individual bending tools (9, 10) relative to their tool holders (12, 15) is determined or suggested by a computing unit (25) taking into account the respective replacement frequency coefficients (30) of the bending tools (9, 10) and the bending tools (9, 10) are positioned in the bending machine (1) taking into account the replacement frequency coefficients (30) of the bending tools (9, 10).)

1. A method for optimizing the combination of bending tools (9, 10) of a bending machine (1),

the bending tools (9, 10) of the bending machine are formed by a plurality of bending punches (14) connected in series and by a plurality of bending dies (11) connected in series in order to form at least one bending tool row (32) from the bending punches (14) and at least one bending tool row (32) from the bending dies (11), wherein the bending tools (9, 10) are selectively positionable and fixable in a selected position relative to the longitudinal direction of a first and a second tool holder (12, 15) of the bending machine (1), the method comprising the following steps:

-inputting into a computing unit (25) data coming from at least one bending model representative of the basis of a workpiece (3) to be manufactured or from a plurality of bending jobs to be performed sequentially of a batch of bending jobs;

-determining or proposing, by the computing unit (25) and/or an operator, a set of selected bending tools (9, 10) from an available inventory of bending tools (9, 10), wherein the selected set of bending tools (9, 10) is capable of implementing at least one of the bending models, at least in part, or of performing at least a single bending job of a batch of bending jobs;

-determining, by the computing unit (25), a replacement frequency coefficient (30) for at least a single bending tool of the bending tools (9, 10) of the selected set of bending tools (9, 10) in view of at least one of the bending models to be implemented or in view of at least one batch of bending jobs to be processed;

-determining or suggesting, by the computing unit (25), the position of each bending tool (9, 10) of the selected or required set of bending tools (9, 10) relative to their tool holders (12, 15) taking into account the respective replacement frequency coefficient (30) of the bending tools (9, 10);

-positioning the bending tools (9, 10) in the bending machine (1) taking into account a replacement frequency coefficient (30) of the bending tools (9, 10).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein a bending tool (9, 10) having a relatively high replacement frequency coefficient (30) is positioned at or in the vicinity of one of the two ends of a bending tool row (32, 33).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein bending tools (9, 10) having a relatively high replacement frequency coefficient (30) are positioned at or in the region of that end of a row of bending tools (32,33) which is closest to an automatic bending tool replacement device (26) or a bending tool storage device (27) facing into or beside the bending machine (1).

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two or more geometrically different bending models provided for manufacturing on bending machine (1) are included in the determination of the replacement frequency coefficients (30) of the respective bending tools (9, 10) by said calculation unit (25).

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the presence of at least two bending tool rows (32,33) per tool rack (12, 15), the calculation unit (25) determines a replacement frequency index (31) for each bending tool row (32,33), the replacement frequency index (31) being based on a respective replacement frequency coefficient (30) of the bending tools (9, 10) arranged in the respective bending tool row (32,33), wherein a bending tool row (33) with a higher replacement frequency index (31) is located relatively closer to the automatic bending tool replacing device (26) or the bending tool storage device (27) than a bending tool row (32) with a lower replacement frequency index (31).

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a bending tool (9, 10) of a bending tool row (32,33) having bending tools (9, 10) of which the width (34) measured in the direction of the bending tool row (32,33) is smaller than the other bending tools (9, 10) of the bending tool row (32,33) arranged without gaps between them must not be positioned at the end of the bending tool row (32, 33).

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two bending tool rows (32,33) spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of their tool holders (12, 15) are provided on the bending machine (1), with which bending tool rows (32,33) at least two geometrically different bending models can be manufactured or at least two separate bending steps of a batch of bending jobs can be carried out.

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein bending tools (9, 10) belonging to a first bending tool row (32) and the bending tools (9, 10) are arranged in a subsequent bending step of a bending job batch such that a bending tool (9, 10) in another bending tool row (33) is positioned at one of the two ends or in one of the end regions of the first bending tool row (32).

9. System for optimizing the combination of bending tools (9, 10) of a bending machine (1), the bending tools (9, 10) being composed of a plurality of bending punches (14) connected in series in succession and of a plurality of bending dies (11) connected in series in succession, which interact functionally with the bending punches (14), whereby at least one bending tool row (32,33) is formed by the bending punches (14) and at least one bending tool row (32,33) is formed by the bending dies (11),

wherein the bending tools (9, 10) are selectively positionable and fixable in selected positions with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first and second tool holders (12, 15) of the bending machine, the system further comprising:

-at least one input device (28) for inputting into the computing unit (25) data from at least one bending model representative of the basis of the workpiece (3) to be manufactured or from a plurality of bending jobs to be performed sequentially of a batch of bending jobs;

-wherein the computing unit (25) is arranged to determine a set of selected bending tools (9, 10) independently from the available inventory of bending tools (9, 10), or to determine in cooperation with the operator which set of selected bending tools (9, 10) can be used to implement at least partially at least one of the bending models, or to be able to perform at least a single bending job of a bending job batch;

-and the computing unit (25) is further configured to determine a replacement frequency coefficient (30) for at least a single bending tool of the bending tools (9, 10) of the selected set of bending tools (9, 10) in view of at least one of the bending models to be manufactured or in view of at least one of the bending job batches to be processed;

-and the calculation unit (25) is further arranged to determine the position of the respective bending tools (9, 10) relative to their tool holders (12, 15) or recommend to the operator of the system taking into account the respective replacement frequency coefficients (30) of the bending tools (9, 10); and

-at least one storage unit (29) and/or at least one output device (28) with which the position of the bending tools (9, 10) relative to the bending machine (1) can be stored and/or output taking into account the replacement frequency coefficient (30) of the bending tools (9, 10).

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein an automatic bending tool exchange device (26) or a bending tool storage device (27) is provided in or beside said bending machine (1) and bending tools (9, 10) having a relatively high exchange frequency coefficient (30) are positioned at or near one of the two ends of a bending tool row (32, 33).

11. System according to claim 9, wherein an automatic bending tool changing device (26) or a bending tool storage device (27) is provided in or beside said bending machine (1) and bending tools (9, 10) having a relatively high change frequency coefficient (30) are positioned at or in the region of the end of a bending tool row (32,33) closest to the end facing said automatic bending tool changing device (26) or said bending tool storage device (27).

12. System according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the tool holder (12, 15) comprises a rail-like guide element (40, 41) for the bending tool (9, 10) and a controlled activatable and deactivatable clamping element (42, 43) for the bending tool (9, 10), wherein the bending tool (9, 10) can be automatically changed in view of its position by means of an automatic bending tool exchange device (26) when the clamping element (42, 43) is deactivated.

13. System according to claim 12, wherein the bending tool (9, 10) is held in the guide element (40, 41) in a slidably movable manner when the clamping element (42, 43) is deactivated and is movable and repositionable relative to the guide element (40, 41) by means of at least one activatable and deactivatable bending tool transmission device (35, 36) of the bending tool exchange apparatus (26).

14. System according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein said bending tool exchange apparatus (26) comprises a store (44) configured as a rack or carousel for a plurality of bending tools (9, 10) of different types and at least one controlled activatable and deactivatable bending tool transfer device (35, 36) for transferring said bending tools (9, 10) between a tool rack (12, 15) of said bending machine (1) and said store (44), and vice versa.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method for optimizing a bending tool set of a bending machine and a related system as claimed in the appended claims.

Background

EP2039442a1 describes a method for tool layout using a bending machine, wherein the method comprises the steps of: determining the tool layout of the bending machine; extracting a region in the determined tool layout, wherein the punch and the die are in a virtual layout stage; and assigning the extracted virtual layout stage to each bending line using a shape model of the sheet workpiece. The setup time for adjusting the tool layout should be shortened by continuing to use the existing tool layout of the bending machine. The setup time saved in this way can only be satisfied conditionally, in particular in the case of widely and frequently changing tool configurations.

EP0919300B1 discloses a press brake intended to enable easy selection of tools during bending of a product by detecting the type and arrangement of the tools loaded in the press brake. To this end, a scanner is provided for reading reference data, which are attached to the surface of at least one bending tool. The scanner can be moved relative to the at least one bending tool and the corresponding position data of the tool can be detected by means of a position detection device. However, the simplicity associated with the frequently required changes in the layout of the tool that can be achieved by these measures is only partially satisfactory.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and to provide a device and a method by means of which a user can optimize the setting process of the bending tools of a bending machine.

The object is achieved by a method and a device according to the claims.

According to the invention, a method is provided for optimizing a bending tool set of a bending machine, wherein the bending tool is composed of a plurality of bending punches connected in series and of a plurality of bending dies connected in series and functionally interacting with the bending punches. Correspondingly, at least one bending tool row is formed by a bending punch and at least one bending tool is formed by a row bending die. The bending tool can be selectively positioned in relation to the longitudinal direction of the first and second tool holders of the bending machine and can be fixed, in particular can be clamped, in a selected position. A particular bending tool layout for the bending machine is thereby defined or definable.

The claimed method comprises the steps of:

-inputting data from at least one bending model representing a basis of a workpiece to be manufactured, in particular to be formed, into a computing unit or data from a plurality of sequentially executed bending jobs of a batch of bending jobs into a computing unit;

-determining or proposing, by the computing unit and/or the operator, from an available stock of bending tools, in particular specifying a set of selected bending tools that can implement at least one of the bending models, at least in part, or that are capable of performing at least a single bending task of a batch of bending tasks;

determining, by the computing unit, a replacement frequency coefficient, in particular a bending tool replacement rate, for at least individual bending tools of the selected or required set of bending tools in view of at least one bending model of the bending models to be produced or in view of at least one bending job batch to be processed;

determining or suggesting, by the computing unit, the position of each bending tool of the selected or required set of bending tools relative to their tool holders, taking into account or including the respective replacement frequency coefficient of the bending tools;

-positioning the bending tool in the bending machine taking into account the replacement frequency coefficient of the bending tool. Accordingly, the desired setting and configuration of the bending tools relative to the setting position of the tool holder of the bending machine is performed according to the respective replacement frequency coefficients of the various bending tools.

The required bending tools are understood here to be those bending tools which are required for carrying out at least one bending step of a bending model or bending job batch. The selected bending tool set is understood to be a part of all available or theoretically available bending tools with which the respective bending task or bending step can be carried out. The computer-aided determination of the change frequency factor associated with at least one individual bending tool of the bending tools makes it possible to optimize the required setting time and/or reduce the number of bending tool change operations in view of the resetting required for the realization of at least one bending workpiece or for the processing of a bending job batch. This increases the productivity of the bending machine and makes it possible to operate it as economically as possible. Furthermore, by minimizing the tool change process, the signs of progressive wear and associated maintenance costs on the bending machine or automatic bending tool change equipment can be kept as low as possible. Furthermore, the computer-aided determination of the replacement frequency factor allows a maximum throughput to be achieved even in the case of relatively complex bending workpieces or in the case of a combination of a large number of bending tasks with a large number of individual bending steps. Furthermore, incorrect setting of the bending tool can be largely ruled out in this way, so that as efficient or as planned an operation of the bending machine as possible is possible even with relatively inexperienced operators.

It may furthermore be advantageous when a bending tool with a relatively high replacement frequency coefficient is positioned at or in the vicinity of one of the two ends of the bending tool row. In this way, bending tools that are moved relatively frequently in view of the bending task to be processed or in view of the workpiece to be produced and/or replaced by another bending tool or by several other bending tools are positioned in a space-saving manner. In particular, the resetting process can thus be carried out more efficiently and with greater fail-safety. This is suitable, on the one hand, for manually performed bending tool changing processes, but may also be suitable for automatically or semi-automatically performed bending tool changing processes. This is particularly suitable if the distance covered by the bending tool during the setting or replacement can thereby be shortened. However, even if the bending tool, in particular the upper tool, is manually replaced, the handling of the lower tool can be simplified thereby and at the same time be kept safer.

According to a practical measure, it can also be provided that the bending tool with a relatively high replacement frequency coefficient is positioned at or in the region of that end of the bending tool row which is closest to the automatic bending tool replacement device facing into or beside the bending machine. Thus, the setup time associated with an automatic bending tool exchange apparatus arranged to sequentially displace or reorganize individual bending tools of a bending tool row starting from one of the two ends of the bending tool can be significantly reduced. In particular, it is thereby ensured that bending tools, which are replaced by other types of bending tools, can be used as quickly as possible or can be handled in the shortest amount of time, in particular if they are replaced relatively frequently in view of the bending tasks or bending steps to be carried out. Such manipulation may include, herein, automatic transfer between a bending tool storage device, particularly a tool magazine in a rack or carousel (Karussell) design, and a corresponding tool rack on the bending machine.

Furthermore, it can be provided that, during the determination of the replacement frequency factor for the respective bending tool by the computing unit, two or more bending models which are geometrically different and are provided for production on the bending machine are included. This makes it possible to achieve a high degree of optimization with regard to the required change-over process of the bending tool. Thanks to the computer-aided determination of the replacement frequency coefficients, this determination can be carried out as quickly as possible, consistently objectively and without errors in complex bending models or in a large number of bending job batches, according to clear technical system relationships. The computer-based determination or recommendation of the setting of the bending tool combination can be completely independent of the experience or thinking of the operator, so that even non-expert operators can easily and quickly carry out relatively complex bending operations.

A variant is also advantageous, according to which it can be provided that, in the case of at least two bending tool rows per tool holder, i.e. in the case of two or more stations on the bending machine, the computing unit determines a replacement frequency index for each bending tool row, which replacement frequency index is based on the respective replacement frequency coefficients of the bending tools arranged in the respective bending tool row, wherein the bending tool row with the higher replacement frequency index is positioned relatively closer to the automatic bending tool changing device than the bending tool row with the lower replacement frequency index. In an advantageous manner, it is thereby achieved that the bending tool row which is replaced more densely and/or handled more frequently is positioned such that it can be reconfigured or rebuilt in a relatively short period by the automatic bending tool changing device. In particular, the bending tool changing process can thus be carried out as quickly as possible, or the existing tool equipment can be modified according to the plan with the least possible reconstruction effort.

According to a further development of the optimization method, it is possible that the bending tools of a bending tool row having bending tools arranged without gaps between them, which bending tools have a smaller width measured in the direction of the bending tool row than the other bending tools of the bending tool row, cannot be positioned at the ends of the bending tool row. Thus, a bending tool having a smaller width than the other bending tools of the bending tool row is preferably positioned in the middle section of the bending tool row or between two wider bending tools. This can improve the stability of the arrangement of the bending tools or can thus keep the forces to be received by the tool holder at a low level, in particular can reduce the load on the tool holders of the tool holder.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if at least two bending tool rows spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the tool holder are provided on the bending machine, with which at least two geometrically different bending models can be produced or at least two separate bending steps of a batch of bending jobs can be carried out. The tool holders of bending machines are generally understood to be their bending tool support elements or their tool holders.

Thereby a high productivity of the bending machine can be achieved. Furthermore, an increased productivity is achieved by optimizing the time period required for the replacement or adjustment of the bending tool equipment. If two or more bending tool rows are designed per tool holder, which have to be changed or reorganized at a specific stage of the bending process to be carried out overall, a higher degree of optimization can be achieved here in the first place.

In order to optimize the bending tool exchange process, it can furthermore be provided that the bending tools belonging to the first bending tool row and which, in a subsequent bending process or bending step of the bending job batch, are arranged such that the bending tool in the other bending tool row is positioned at one of the two ends or in one of the end regions of the first bending tool row. The replacement process can thereby be carried out in an accelerated manner or with as few movement operations or replacement actions as possible. In particular, a more efficient change of the bending tool from the first working position to another working position required in a subsequent or subsequent bending step can thereby be achieved.

The object of the invention is also achieved by a system for optimizing bending tool combinations in a bending machine. The bending tools are formed by a plurality of bending punches connected in series in succession and by a plurality of bending dies connected in series in succession, which interact functionally with the bending punches, so that at least one bending tool row is formed by the bending punches and at least one bending tool row is formed by the bending dies. The bending tool can be selectively positioned in relation to the longitudinal direction of the first and second tool holders of the bending machine and can be fixed, in particular clamped or positionally fixed, in selected positions. The corresponding system further comprises:

at least one input device for inputting data from at least one bending model representing a basis for a workpiece to be manufactured or performed or data from a plurality of bending jobs to be performed sequentially of a batch of bending jobs into a computing unit;

-wherein the computing unit is arranged to determine a set of selected bending tools independently from the available inventory of bending tools, or in cooperation with the operator to determine which set of selected bending tools to use can implement at least partially at least one bending model of the bending models, or can perform at least a single bending task of a bending task batch, i.e. in the sense that the selection and determination of the selected or respectively required set of bending tools can be performed independently by the computing unit, or can be performed in combination with the input of the operator;

the calculation unit is also configured to determine a replacement frequency factor, in particular a replacement rate, for at least a single bending tool of the bending tools of the selected set of bending tools in view of at least one bending model of the bending models to be produced or in view of at least one bending job batch to be processed;

-and the calculation unit is further arranged to determine the position of the individual bending tools relative to their tool holders or to recommend them to the operator of the system, taking into account the respective replacement frequency coefficients of the bending tools; and

at least one memory unit and/or output device, with which the position of the bending tool relative to the bending machine can be stored and/or output, taking into account or depending on the frequency factor of the change of the bending tool.

Accordingly, the location or arrangement or configuration of the bending tools relative to their tool holders or tool holders in the bending machine is performed under the influence of the predicted frequency of replacement of the various bending tools. Thus, the time period required to reorganize or reposition the bending tool to be able to perform one or more subsequent bending steps according to a bending model or according to a batch of bending jobs may be optimized. In particular, the total run time required for achieving a planned bending workpiece or for processing a predetermined batch of bending jobs requiring different bending tool configurations in stages may be minimized. Furthermore, the requirements on the operator or the at least partially automated bending tool changing device can be kept as low as possible. The computer-aided determination of the replacement frequency coefficients can be carried out relatively quickly and at the same time in a fail-safe manner in accordance with objective technical standards.

It may also be provided that an automatic bending tool changing device is provided in or beside the bending machine and that a bending tool with a relatively high frequency coefficient of change is positioned at or near one of the two ends of the bending tool row. The cycle time required for the reconfiguration or reorganization of the bending tool can thus be kept short. Furthermore, it is thereby possible to lengthen or shorten the bending tool row in a less complicated and simple manner. The expenditure for such a reconfiguration is significantly higher if the bending tool to be replaced is located in the middle of a plurality of bending tools arranged in a row and a new overall width of the bending tool row is established for carrying out the subsequent bending step. The newly created overall width may mean an extension of the bending tool row to be changed, but also a shortening. This reconfiguration of the bending tool rows may be required relatively frequently, in particular with regard to so-called "wall bending".

According to a particular variant, it is possible to provide an automatic bending tool changing device in or beside the bending machine and to position the bending tool with a relatively high frequency coefficient of change at or in the region of the end of the bending tool row closest to the end facing the automatic bending tool changing device. It is thus possible that the bending tool changing process is simplified or the resetting time is significantly reduced when the bending tool changing device is set up to operate the individual bending tools of the bending tool row individually or to move them continuously in time. This makes it possible to more efficiently design the quasi-serial handling process of the bending tools relative to the bending tool row to be rearranged.

According to an advantageous development, it can be provided that the tool holder comprises a rail-like guide element for the bending tool and a controlled activatable and deactivatable clamping element for the bending tool, wherein the bending tool can be automatically changed in respect of its position by means of an automatic bending tool changing device when the clamping element is deactivated. It is thereby ensured that the bending tool is held by the guide rail during its movement process and that the weight of the bending tool is received by the guide rail. The displacement device for applying a displacement force to the bending tool can thus be constructed as simply as possible or lightweight, whereby a relatively high positioning accuracy can be achieved in a simple manner even at high positioning speeds.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the bending tool is held in the guide element in a slidable manner when the clamping device is deactivated and can be moved and repositioned relative to the guide element by means of at least one activatable and deactivatable movement device of the bending tool exchange device. This allows an automatic bending tool changing device to be realized, wherein both the bending tool and the displacement device are guided in a slidable manner by means of a guide element, in particular on rails. The moving mass can be kept low because the corresponding gravitational forces are received by the guide elements. High travel speeds or high positioning accuracy can therefore be achieved by relatively simple technical means.

It can furthermore be provided that the bending tool changing device comprises a magazine for a plurality of bending tools of different types, which magazine is designed in the form of a rack or a carousel, and at least one controlled activatable and deactivatable displacement device for transferring the bending tools between the tool rack and the magazine of the bending machine, and vice versa. In this way, it is possible to keep a large number of different types of bending tool stocks or a large number of bending tools of the same type and to equip only those bending tools which are necessary or suitable for carrying out the respective bending task or bending model on the bending machine. In particular, an increased degree of automation of the bending machine can thereby be achieved.

Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

They are shown in a very simplified schematic representation:

fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a bending machine having replaceable upper and lower bending tools, respectively, and a bending tool storage device and a bending tool exchange device laterally attached to the bending machine;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a bending machine equipped with bending tools in combination with a single bending tool and a computationally determined replacement frequency coefficient of an automatic bending tool replacement device.

Detailed Description

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the different described embodiments, the same reference numerals or the same component numerals are given to the same components, so that the disclosure contained in the entire description may be meaningfully transferred to the same components having the same reference numerals or the same component numerals. The positional specifications selected in the description, such as up, down, sideways, etc., also refer to the figures described and shown directly, and these positional specifications will be transferred to new positions in the sense of positional changes.

In fig. 1, an embodiment of a bending machine 1, in particular a press brake 2, is shown. The press brake 2 is provided for machining, in particular bending, a workpiece 3. The press brake 2 has a stationary table beam 5 oriented perpendicularly to the support surface 4. For machining the workpiece 3, the bending machine 1 or the illustrated press brake 2 comprises a press beam 6 which can be adjusted or moved in both directions in the vertical direction relative to the table beam 5 by means of a drive device 7, for example a hydraulic cylinder 8.

In the press brake 2 according to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1, the machining or shaping of the workpiece 3 is carried out by means of at least one lower bending tool 9 and at least one upper bending tool 10. In this case, at least one lower bending tool 9, in particular at least one so-called bending die 11, can be arranged in a lower tool holder 12 on a longitudinal side 13 of the table beam 5. At least one upper bending tool 10, in particular at least one so-called bending punch 14, can be held in an upper tool holder 15 on an end face 16 of the press beam 6.

The bending tools 9, 10 can be arranged interchangeably on the tool holders 12, 15 and are held or fixable, in particular clampable, at individually selectable longitudinal positions of the tool holders 12, 15. The most suitable bending tools 9, 10 can thus be selected or used for the respective machining or shaping of the workpiece 3. Typically, a plurality of lower bending tools 9 and a plurality of upper bending tools 10 are held by means of tool holders 12, 15 during operation of the press brake 2, in order to be able to carry out different bending processes on the workpiece 3, for example in successive forming or bending operations. For the sake of clarity, only a single lower bending tool 9 and a single upper bending tool 10 are shown in each case schematically in the exemplary embodiment according to fig. 1.

In the press brake 2 shown as an exemplary embodiment in fig. 1, at least one automatically controlled stop device 17 with at least one stop finger 18 is also shown. In the exemplary embodiment shown, two stop devices 17 are exemplarily shown, each having a stop finger 18. However, bending machine 1 with only one stop finger 18 or only one stop device 17 is also conceivable, or more than two stop fingers 18 or more than two stop devices 17 are also possible.

The stop device 17 or stop finger 18 shown in fig. 1 is arranged in a pressure chamber 19 on the rear side of the table beam 5 of the bending machine 1 or press brake 2 shown as an example. One or more stop fingers 18 may be adjusted or advanced, respectively, to a stop position 20 provided for positioning the workpiece 3. When the stop finger 18 is set into the stop position 20, the workpiece 3 to be machined can then be brought into abutment against an abutment face 22 of the stop finger 18 from a front side or workpiece feed side 21 facing away from the pressure chamber 19 and thus be confined as precisely as possible between the two bending tools 9, 10 for the subsequent machining or shaping thereof. The retaining finger 18 shown by way of example in fig. 1 has only one contact surface 22. In principle, a variant of the design of the stop finger 18 can also comprise more than one contact surface 22 and additional contact surfaces for the workpiece 3 to be machined, in particular for sheet metal parts.

The stop device 17 or stop finger 18 shown in fig. 1 usually comprises, by means of a drive arrangement (not shown in fig. 1), for example a guide rail, and an actuator, such as an electric motor, in particular a servomotor, automatically, controlled to be adjusted or advanced along a driven adjustment axis 23, respectively. In this case, the at least one stop finger 18 is adjusted along at least one driven travel or adjustment axis 23 into a stop position 20 provided for positioning or placing the workpiece 3, which is intended, as shown for the stop finger 18 shown on the left side according to fig. 1.

At least one control device 24 may be provided to control the travel or adjustment movement of the stop device 17 or stop finger 18 along at least one adjustment axis 23. As shown in fig. 1, the control device 24 may have a plurality of components, for example a plurality of processors or a distributed arrangement of computer components, input devices for inputting control commands, output devices for displaying information, a plurality of sensors or position sensors for detecting the state of the system, and actuators for influencing the state of the system. It is furthermore possible for the control device 24 to be connected to further control components, for example to be coupled to a mobile and/or stationary input and/or output device 28 via a data-technology network or via the internet. In principle, the type and design of the control device 24 or the electronic and data-technical architecture can be carried out at will by those skilled in the art. The control device 24 may preferably be formed by a CNC controller which supplies or applies energy and control signals to the bending machine 1 or the exemplarily shown press brake 2 and its components, in particular its drive mechanism.

Control device 24 of bending machine 1 may also comprise or be constituted by a calculation unit 25. This calculation unit 25 can satisfy the technical control and/or technical management or data technical objectives of bending machine 1 and/or of bending tool changing device 26 interacting with bending machine 1. Such a bending tool changing device 26 for automatically or partially automatically changing bending tools 9, 10 may also advantageously comprise a bending tool storage device 27 for storing and holding a plurality of different types of bending tools 9, 10 that may be used as required. The bending tool storage device 27 may have a storage structure for storing and holding the bending tools 9, 10, for example, in a carousel-like, shelf-like, or petunia-like configuration.

The computing unit 25 is configured such that data from at least one data-technology bending model representing the basis of the workpiece 3 to be produced or data from a plurality of bending jobs of a batch of bending jobs to be executed in sequence can be input. This data input can take place by means of an input and/or output device 28, for example by means of a screen and control panel, and/or by accessing a memory device 29, which can be provided locally and/or can be provided separately and can be coupled to the computing unit 25 via a data-technology connection. These data can be defined, for example, by at least one CAD model of at least one workpiece 3 to be produced.

Calculation unit 25 is also arranged to determine a set of selected bending tools 9, 10 from the available inventory of bending tools 9, 10 and/or to recommend them to the operator of bending machine 1. At least one of the bending models may be implemented at least partially using the set of selected bending tools 9, 10, or at least a single bending task of a batch of bending tasks may be performed. However, the necessary or advantageous selection of the bending tools 9, 10 can also be carried out by the operator separately and entered by the operator into the computing unit 25 or the control device 24. However, it is also possible for the computing unit 25 to submit a specific set of available or required bending tools 9, 10 to the operator, and for the operator to either confirm the computer-side preselection directly or to adjust it and then confirm it.

The calculation unit 25 is also provided to determine a replacement frequency factor 30 for at least a single bending tool of the bending tools 9, 10 of the selected group of bending tools 9, 10 in view of at least one of the bending models to be implemented or in view of at least one batch of bending jobs to be processed. In particular, calculation unit 25 is designed to determine how often or at what frequency individual bending tools 9, 10 of a selected bending tool set on bending machine 1 are to be replaced or exchanged, in order to be able to produce at least one predetermined bending model, or in order to be able to carry out bending steps of at least one predetermined bending task batch. In this case, the evaluation takes place in a data-technical manner taking into account a plurality of bending steps to be carried out directly one after the other and/or closely related in time. The replacement frequency factor 30 of the bending tools 9, 10 determined by the calculation unit 25 can also be understood as a measure of the holding time of the bending tools 9, 10 in the tool holders 12, 15 or as an indication of the number of bending steps that can be carried out using the bending tools 9, 10. The replacement frequency factor 30 is therefore a measure of the strength of use of the respective bending tool 9, 10 with respect to at least one specific bending model to be implemented or with respect to at least one specific bending task batch with a plurality of bending steps to be performed in sequence for the workpiece 3, in particular a sheet metal piece. The replacement frequency factor 30 of bending tools 9, 10 determined by calculation unit 25 can also be understood as a measure of the frequency or intensity with which the respective bending tool 9, 10 is reset on bending machine 1, in order to be able to satisfy a predefined multi-phase bending task, in particular to be able to implement at least one bending model or at least one bending task batch.

As shown with reference to the embodiment according to fig. 2, the replacement frequency coefficient 30 may be represented by a value in a range of values, for example a range from 1 to 10. It is also possible to represent the replacement frequency coefficient 30 by a classification value, for example by defining the value as high, medium or low. As is shown by way of example in fig. 2, bending tools 9, 10 with a relatively high replacement frequency have a higher coefficient, while bending tools 9, 10 with relatively few replacements or replacements have a lower coefficient (and therefore have a high strength of use for fulfilling the respective bending task). However, the corresponding use intensity or replacement frequency factor 30 may also be represented by a table assignment, an intensity graph or a number symbol.

Advantageously, the computing unit 25 is configured to store the respectively determined replacement frequency coefficients 30 associated with the specific setting plan of the bending tools 9, 10 at least temporarily in the electronic memory device 29 and to visualize this information to the operator by means of an output device, in particular a screen.

Furthermore, the computing unit 25 is provided to determine or recommend the position of the individual bending tools 9, 10 of the selected or required group of bending tools relative to their tool holders 12, 15 to the operator, taking into account the respective replacement frequency coefficients 30 of the bending tools 9, 10. Therefore, the positioning of the respective bending tools 9, 10 in the bending machine 1 is performed in consideration of the replacement frequency coefficient 30 of the respective bending tools 9, 10. This positioning can be dependent on the sequence of the individual bending tools 9, 10 or bending tool rows and/or the respective position of the bending tools 9, 10 relative to the longitudinal extension of the tool holders 12, 15. In this way, a bending tool arrangement, in particular a so-called setup plan, can be realized which ensures the most efficient possible processing of at least one multi-stage bending model to be carried out or at least one bending job batch. In particular, if a plurality of reconfigurations are required in view of the bending tool set to be used, the time period required for the reconfiguration process to be carried out manually or partially or fully automatically, respectively, can be optimized or reduced.

It may be advantageous here when the bending tools 9, 10 with a relatively high replacement frequency coefficient 30 are positioned at or in the vicinity of one of the two ends of the bending tool row. The manual or automatic replacement of at least one edge-side positioned bending tool 9, 10 provided in bending machine 1 can thereby be carried out relatively quickly or without errors.

In particular, when bending tool storage device 27 and/or bending tool changing device 26 is provided laterally to bending machine 1 or laterally to the longitudinal ends of tool holders 12, 15, it may be advantageous when bending tools 9, 10 having a relatively high change frequency index 30 are positioned at or in the region of that end of the bending tool row which is close to the end facing automatic bending tool changing device 26 or bending tool storage device 27. The travel path for the bending tools 9, 10 to be replaced, repositioned or removed can thus be kept as small as possible. A particular advantage in this case is that the reconfiguration effort of the bending tool rows associated with the bending tool changing device 26 for actuating the respective bending tools 9, 10 starting from the longitudinal ends of the bending tool rows is kept as low as possible, in particular for sequential repositioning or displacement in the tool holders 12, 15, as is schematically illustrated in fig. 2.

In order to further reduce the time expenditure for reorganizing the layout of bending tools, it can also be provided that, in the case of a calculation or model-based determination of the replacement frequency coefficient 30 of the respective bending tool 9, 10 by the calculation unit 25, two or more geometrically different bending models provided for manufacturing on bending machine 1 are included.

It can also be provided that, in the case of at least two bending tool rows 32,33 per tool rack 12, 15, the computing unit 25 determines the replacement frequency index 31 for each bending tool row 32, 33. This replacement frequency index 31 is based on the respective replacement frequency coefficient 30 of the bending tools 9, 10 arranged in the respective bending tool row 32, 33. It is advantageous here that bending tool row 33 with a high replacement frequency index 31 is positioned closer to automated bending tool changing device 26 or bending tool storage device 27 when compared to bending tool row 32 with a lower replacement frequency index 31.

During the calculation of the proposed work position or during the calculation of the work position by the arithmetic unit 25, it can also be provided that the bending tools 9, 10 in the bending tool rows 32,33 with the widths 34 measured in the direction of the bending tool rows 32,33 arranged without gaps between them, which are smaller than the other bending tools 9, 10 of the bending tool rows 32,33, must not be positioned at the ends of the bending tool rows 32, 33. The tendency of the relatively narrow bending tools 9, 10 to tilt can thereby be suppressed, or it is thereby possible that the load acting on the tool holders 12, 15 remains low.

According to a practical measure, bending machine 1 can be equipped with at least two bending tool rows 32,33 spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of its tool holders 12, 15, with which bending tool rows 32,33 at least two geometrically different bending models can be produced or at least two separate bending steps of a batch of bending jobs can be carried out. Thereby, a plurality of working positions for bending operation are realized on a single bending machine 1, so that the efficiency of workpiece processing can be improved.

According to an advantageous measure, it can also be provided that the bending tools 9, 10 belonging to the first bending tool row 32 and the bending tools 9, 10 are arranged in a subsequent bending step of the bending job batch in such a way that the bending tools 9, 10 in the other bending tool row 33 are positioned at one of the two ends of the first bending tool row 32. The resetting expenditure and thus the accompanying time period for reconfiguring the bending tool layout can thus also be optimized. This is particularly advantageous for the bending tool changing device 26, with which the bending tools 9, 10 are moved in series or individually within the tool holders 12, 15 and/or are changed with the use of intermediate storage positions or bending tool storage devices 27 or have to be changed or repositioned in view of their working positions in the bending tool rows 32,33 in order to be able to correctly carry out the respective bending step of a bending model or bending job batch.

According to an advantageous embodiment, such a bending tool exchange device 26 may comprise at least one rail-guided bending tool transport 35, 36. Bending tools 9, 10 can be operated by means of at least one bending tool transfer device 35, 36, in particular can be transferred between tool holders 12, 15 of bending machine 1 and bending tool storage device 27, and vice versa.

It can also be provided that at least one bending tool transport device 35, 36 is guided in a linearly adjustable manner via the tool holders 12, 15 of the bending machine 1, as is schematically illustrated in fig. 2. For the controlled coupling and decoupling between the bending tool transport devices 35, 36 and at least one of the bending tools 9, 10, at least one electromagnetically effective coupling device 37, 38 on at least one bending tool transport device 35, 36 can preferably be provided.

Fig. 1 and 2 show the individual components of the system according to the invention and also the components for optimizing the combination of the bending tools 9, 10. It is important that the calculation unit 25 is configured to determine a replacement frequency factor 30 for at least a single bending tool of the bending tools 9, 10 of the selected set of bending tools 9, 10 in view of at least one of the bending models to be produced or in view of at least one batch of bending jobs to be processed. The calculation unit 25 is also arranged to determine the position of the respective bending tools 9, 10 relative to their tool holders 12, 15 or to recommend them to the operator of the system, taking into account the respective replacement frequency coefficients 30 of the bending tools 9, 10. At least one memory unit 29 and/or output unit 39 is provided, with which the position of bending tools 9, 10 relative to bending machine 1 can be stored and/or output, taking into account the replacement frequency factor 30 of the individual bending tools 9, 10.

The computing unit 25 is typically designed to be software-controlled and comprises program-technical means for carrying out the described control and method flows. The described method steps according to the invention can therefore be implemented in a computer-implemented manner.

If, as can be seen by way of example in fig. 1 and 2, an automatic bending tool changing device 26 or a bending tool storage device 27 is provided in or adjacent to bending machine 1, it is advantageous when computing unit 25 positions bending tools 9, 10 that have a relatively high frequency coefficient of change 30 in view of the individual bending steps used to implement the bending model or bending job batch at one of the two ends of bending tool rows 32,33 or in the vicinity of one of the two ends of bending tool rows 32, 33.

In particular, automatic bending tool changing device 26 may be provided in or beside bending machine 1, wherein bending tools 9, 10 having a relatively high change frequency coefficient 30 are positioned at or in the region of the end of bending tool rows 32,33 closest to the end facing automatic bending tool changing device 26.

It may be advantageous if the tool holders 12, 15 comprise rail-like guide elements 40, 41 for the bending tools 9, 10 and controlled activatable and deactivatable clamping elements 42, 43 for the bending tools 9, 10, wherein the bending tools 9, 10 can be automatically changed in respect of their position by means of the automatic bending tool changing device 25, in particular by means of only one bending tool transport device 35, 36, when the clamping elements 42, 43 are deactivated.

In particular, it can be provided that the bending tools 9, 10 are held in the guide elements 40, 41 in a slidable manner when the clamping elements 42, 43 are deactivated, and that at least one activatable and deactivatable bending tool transport device 35, 36 of the bending tool changing device 26 can be moved and repositioned relative to the guide elements 40, 41.

Bending tool exchange apparatus 26 may include a magazine 44 configured as a rack or carousel for a plurality of bending tools 9, 10 of different types, at least one of which is a controlled activatable and deactivatable bending tool transfer device 35, 36 for transferring selected bending tools 9, 10 between tool holders 12, 15 of bending machine 1 and magazine 44, and vice versa.

The upper and lower bending tools 9, 10 stored in the bending tool storage apparatus 27 or the storage magazine 44 to be held for use as needed may be defined herein as tools having different widths 34 and heights, straight extending tools, crank tools, tools having different die widths, so-called boring and grinding tools, hemming tools, tools having special shapes, and the like.

The examples show possible embodiment variants, wherein it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically shown design variants thereof, but various combinations of the individual design variants with one another are possible and such variant possibilities arise from the technical teaching of the invention by a person skilled in the art working on this technical field.

The protection scope is subject to the claims. However, the description and drawings will be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described may represent separate inventive solutions. The object on which the independent inventive solution is based can be found in the description.

For the sake of clarity, it is finally pointed out that some elements are partly not shown to scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced for a better understanding of the structure.

List of reference numerals

1 bending machine

2 bending press

3 workpiece

4 support surface

5 platform roof beam

6 press beam

7 drive device

8 hydraulic cylinder

9 bending tool (lower)

10 bending tool (Upper)

11 bending die

12 tools racks (lower)

13 longitudinal side

14 bending punch

15 tools racks (Upper)

16 end face

17 stop device

18 stop finger

19 pressure chamber

20 stop position

21 tool feed side

22 contact surface

23 adjustment axis

24 control device

25 calculation unit

26 bending tool changing apparatus

27 bending tool storage device

28 input device and/or output device

29 storage device

30 replacement frequency coefficient

31 replacement frequency index

32 bending workpiece row

33 bending workpiece row

34 width of

35 bending tool conveying device

36 bending tool conveying device

37 coupling device

38 coupling device

39 output unit

40 guide element

41 guide element

42 clamping element

43 clamping element

44 storage repository