阅读说明：本技术 用于操作弯板机的方法 (Method for operating a plate bending machine ) 是由 托马斯·登克迈尔 彼得·西梅尔 戴维·海姆 于 2019-07-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及用于一种用于操作弯板机(10)的方法,弯板机(10)包括：具有第一工具保持器(11)的第一平台(1)和具有第二工具保持器(12)的第二平台(2),一个平台(1)能相对于另一个平台(2)移动以便执行工作移动；用于产生光障(27)、特别是激光光障的安全装置(20),所述光障在工具保持器(11、12)之间垂直于可动的平台(1)的工作移动而延伸,并且在横截面中形成光场(7),安全装置(20)包括承载用于产生光障(27)的光发射器的第一保持器(21)和承载用于接收光障(27)的光的光接收器(26)的第二保持器(22),并且第一保持器(21)布置在第一平台(1)的第一侧面上并且能通过第一调节装置(23)而相对于第一平台(1)进行调节,使得可以改变光障(27)相对于第一工具保持器(11)在可动的平台(1)的工作移动的方向上的位置；控制装置(9),其连接至第一调节驱动器(23),其特征在于,在弯曲操作或一系列弯曲操作之前,控制装置(9)通过致动第一调节驱动器(23)使第一保持器(21)进入工作位置,在该工作位置由第一工具保持器(11)保持的弯曲工具(8)的工具端头(4)位于由光障(27)形成的光场(7)内。(The invention relates to a method for operating a press brake (10), the press brake (10) comprising: a first platform (1) with a first tool holder (11) and a second platform (2) with a second tool holder (12), one platform (1) being movable relative to the other platform (2) in order to perform a working movement; safety device (20) for generating a light barrier (27), in particular a laser light barrier, which extends between the tool holders (11, 12) perpendicularly to the working movement of the movable platform (1) and forms a light field (7) in cross-section, the safety device (20) comprising a first holder (21) carrying a light emitter for generating the light barrier (27) and a second holder (22) carrying a light receiver (26) for receiving the light of the light barrier (27), and the first holder (21) being arranged on a first side of the first platform (1) and being adjustable relative to the first platform (1) by means of a first adjusting device (23) such that the position of the light barrier (27) relative to the first tool holder (11) in the direction of the working movement of the movable platform (1) can be changed; -a control device (9) connected to the first adjustment drive (23), characterized in that, prior to a bending operation or a series of bending operations, the control device (9) brings the first holder (21) into a working position by actuating the first adjustment drive (23), in which working position the tool tip (4) of the bending tool (8) held by the first tool holder (11) is located within the light field (7) formed by the light barrier (27).)

1. Method for operating a press brake (10), in particular a plate bender, wherein the press brake (10) comprises:

-a first platform (1) with a first tool holder (11) and a second platform (2) with a second tool holder (12), wherein one platform (1) is movable relative to the other platform (2) to perform a working movement,

-a safety device (20) for producing a light barrier (27), in particular a laser light barrier, which extends between the tool supports (11, 12) transversely to the working movement of the movable platform (1), which light barrier (27) forms a light field (7) in cross section, wherein the safety device (20) has a first support (21) which carries a light emitter (25) for producing the light barrier (27) and a second support (22) which carries a light receiver (26) for receiving the light of the light barrier (27), and wherein the first support (21) is arranged on a first side of the first platform (1) and is adjustable relative to the first platform (1) by means of a first adjustment drive (23) such that the position of the light barrier (27) relative to the first tool support (11) can be changed in the direction of the working movement of the movable platform (1),

-a controller (9) connected to the first adjustment drive (23),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

before a bending operation or a series of bending operations, the controller (9) brings the first holder (21) into a working position in which the tool tip (4) of the bending tool (8) held by the first tool holder (11) is located within the light field (7) formed by the light barrier (27), preferably in a predetermined first region (5) of the light field (7), by controlling the first adjustment drive (23).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the controller (9) brings the first carriage (21) into the working position in dependence on the shadow of the tool tip (4) detected by the light receiver (26).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the working position of the first support (21), the distance between the tool tip (4) and the edge (3) of the light field (7) opposite the tool tip (4) is at least one third, preferably at least one half, of the expansion of the light field (7) in the direction in which the working movement of the movable platform (1) takes place.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the tool tip (4) within the light field (7) or the position of the light barrier (27) is determined on the basis of the shadow of the tool tip (4) detected by the light receiver (26).

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first holder (21) is adjusted as a function of the determined position of the tool tip (4) within the light field (7) or the determined position of the light barrier (27) until the tool tip (4) is located in a target position or target region within the light field (7), preferably in a predetermined first region (5).

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, if the tool tip (4) is outside the predetermined first region (5) and within a predetermined second region (6) within the light field (7), the first holder (21) is adjusted according to the determined position of the tool tip (4) within the light field (7) or the determined position of the light barrier (27), wherein the predetermined first region (5) is within the predetermined second region (6), and the adjustment of the first holder (21) is carried out until the tool tip (4) is located in the predetermined first region (5).

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that if no shadow of the tool tip (4) is detected or if the tool tip (4) is outside a predetermined second region (6) within the light field (7), wherein the predetermined first region (5) is within the predetermined second region (6), information and/or warning is output at a user interface (13) of the press brake (10) and/or the adjustment operation is interrupted.

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second carriage (22) is arranged on a second side of the platform (1) opposite to the first side and is adjustable relative to the first platform (1) by means of a second adjustment drive (24), wherein the controller (9) is connected to the second adjustment drive (24).

9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second holder (22) with the light receiver (26) is adjusted to the same extent as the first holder (21) with the light emitter (25).

10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first adjustment drive (23) is actuatable independently of the second adjustment drive (24).

11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an adjustment operation in which the light emitter (25) and the light receiver (26) are adjusted relative to each other by actuating the first adjustment driver (23) and/or the second adjustment driver (24).

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the adjustment operation is performed as a function of the shadow of the tool tip (4) detected by the light receiver (26), in particular as a function of the position of the tool tip (4) within the light field (7).

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the light field (7) has a pattern (14) which is variable in the direction of the adjusting movement of the first support (21), preferably in at least one edge region thereof, and in that the adjusting operation is carried out as a function of the relative position of the shadow of the tool tip (4) detected by the light receiver (26) with respect to the pattern (14) detected by the light receiver (26).

14. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first tool holder (11) is an upper tool holder and the second tool holder (12) is a lower tool holder,

and/or the first platform (1) is movable relative to the second platform (2).

15. Press brake (10), in particular a plate bender, for bending a workpiece (19), the press brake comprising:

-a first platform (1) with a first tool holder (11) and a second platform (2) with a second tool holder (12), wherein one platform (1) is movable relative to the other platform (2) to perform a working movement,

-a safety device (20) for producing a light barrier (27), in particular a laser light barrier, which extends between the tool supports (11, 12) transversely to the working movement of the movable platform (1), which light barrier (27) forms a light field (7) in cross section, wherein the safety device (20) has a first support (21) which carries a light emitter (25) for producing the light barrier (27) and a second support (22) which carries a light receiver (26) for receiving the light of the light barrier (27), and wherein the first support (21) is arranged on a first side of the first platform (1) and is adjustable relative to the first platform (1) by means of a first adjustment drive (23) such that the position of the light barrier (27) relative to the first tool support (11) can be changed in the direction of the working movement of the movable platform (1),

-a controller (9) connected to the first adjustment drive (23),

characterized in that the press brake (10) is designed for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (9) is configured to control the method according to any one of the preceding claims, in particular by evaluating and/or processing data recorded or evaluated by the light receiver (26) and/or by adjusting the first adjustment drive (23) and/or the second adjustment drive (24).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a method for operating a press brake, in particular a press brake, wherein the press brake comprises:

a first platform with a first tool holder and a second platform with a second tool holder, wherein one platform is movable relative to the other platform to perform a working movement,

a safety device for producing a light barrier, in particular a laser light barrier, which extends between the tool holders transversely to the working movement of the movable platform, which light barrier forms a light field in cross section, wherein the safety device has a first holder which carries a light emitter for producing the light barrier and a second holder which carries a light receiver for receiving the light of the light barrier, and wherein the first holder is arranged on a first side of the first platform and is adjustable relative to the first platform by means of a first adjustment drive such that the position of the light barrier relative to the first tool holder can be changed in the direction of the working movement of the movable platform,

-a controller connected to the first adjustment drive.

The invention also relates to a press brake for carrying out the method.

Background

To meet the prescribed safety requirements, press brakes are increasingly equipped with safety devices intended to prevent accidental collisions of the bending tool with objects, or to prevent the fingers or hands of the operator from getting caught between the bending tools or between the bending tools and the workpiece to be bent. The safety device in the form of a light barrier has brackets for the light emitter and the light receiver on both sides of the pressure beam.

In this respect, the holder is adjustable, whereby the light barrier can be positioned automatically and flexibly in each case depending on the bending tool used. In this case, it is known from the prior art for the operator to enter the tool height via the user interface of the press brake and to automatically calculate the target position of the light barrier on the basis of the tool height.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a method for operating a press brake, by means of which the setting of the light barrier can be further improved. In particular, it should be ensured that the light barrier, independent and/or independent of any bending tool used, takes up an optimum position, so that a safety function can be reliably performed. In particular, situations in which incorrect positioning occurs (for example by entering incorrect tool data) and leads to dangerous positions should also be excluded.

The above object is achieved by a method of the type mentioned at the outset, in which, prior to a bending operation or a series of bending operations, the controller brings the first carriage by controlling the first adjustment drive into a working position in which the tool tip of the bending tool held by the first tool carriage is located within the light field formed by the light barrier, preferably in a predetermined first region of the light field.

By this measure, the tool tip, which is decisive for the position of the light barrier, can be used as a reference point. The adjustment of the first holder and thus the setting of the light receiver (and thus the positioning of the light barrier) is in each case associated with a tool head of a bending tool provided for the subsequent bending operation. This not only makes it possible to position the light barrier accurately and reliably, but also prevents the start of a misregulation. The tool tip may be so identified by the light receiver and/or controller and distinguished from other shadows (fingers, foreign objects, etc.).

Preferably, the first support with the light emitter is adjusted so that the tool tip is located at a predetermined first region within the light field. The first region is smaller than the light field and corresponds to the optimal region. The first region and/or its coordinates (within the light field and/or within the sensor surface of the light receiver) are stored in the light receiver and/or the controller and are data-technically correlated with the captured position of the tool tip. In this way, it may be determined whether the tool bit is actually in the predetermined first region.

The bending operation is started by the control only when the adjustment operation of the light barrier is completed and its position meets the criterion according to the invention.

The term "tool head" is to be understood broadly and includes not only point-like points in the present application, but also rounded tool ends and/or (especially in the case of press brakes) rectangular edges of curved tools which in cross-section look like a point or a dot and/or a tapered end. "tool tip" may also refer to the end of a press mode bending tool that acts on a workpiece, and/or generally describes the first region of the bending tool that contacts the workpiece during a bending operation, or in other words the end of the bending tool that faces the shaped portion of the workpiece.

The light field corresponds to the cross section of the light barrier. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the light barrier is formed by at least one light beam widened to the light field and/or comprises a plurality of light beams extending preferably in a parallel manner. In the first case, a lens may be used to widen the individual beams. Preferably, the homogeneous light field is transverse to the direction of dispersion of the light barrier. The term "light barrier" is therefore to be understood as any type of light beam(s) or light field(s) of one or more individual light beams/light fields. The principle that the destruction of part or all of the light barrier (by foreign objects and/or the operator's hand or finger etc.) can cause the light receiver to detect darkening and/or shadowing is used here. Likewise, the light field allows shadows cast onto the light receiver by the tool tip (protruding into the light field) to be detected and/or identified.

The light barrier extends substantially parallel to the first tool holder (preferably designed in the form of a guide rail) and/or (for plate benders) substantially parallel to the bend line.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the light receiver is an image receiver, preferably a camera. In particular, pixel-by-pixel evaluation of captured images can significantly facilitate shadow recognition and shadow correlation. Preferably, the light receiver may be a planar sensor, the light-sensitive surface of which corresponds to at least a cross section of the light barrier (i.e. the surface of the light field), for example.

Although it is preferred to arrange the support of the light receiver (similar to the support of the light emitter) on the first platform and to design it adjustable relative to the platform, alternative embodiments provide that the light receiver can also be fastened on the first platform in a fixed or non-adjustable manner and can be configured, for example by means of corresponding dimensions (planar image sensors), to capture the light barrier in different positions relative to the first platform.

A platform may be understood as any structure suitable for carrying or integrally forming a tool holder and absorbing forces transmitted during bending operations. The first platform and/or the second platform may in particular be formed as a pressure beam and/or have a longitudinal extension transverse to the working movement and/or pressing direction.

In this respect, the safety device is configured such that the position of the light barrier, which is determined by the position of the light emitter, can be set relative to the first tool holder and/or the tool held therein. A (full or partial) interruption of the light barrier will create a shadow, which is detected by the light receiver. A controller connected to the light receiver stops or slows down the operational movement of the press brake based on the detected shadow.

The light barrier is set into the working position by moving the support(s) transversely to the longitudinal extension of the tool support, preferably parallel to the direction of the working movement of the movable platform, which is preferably vertical.

The adjustment drive(s) can in particular be configured as a linear drive, for example as a rack comprising a pinion.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the controller brings the first carriage into the working position in dependence on the shadow of the tool tip detected by the light receiver. By this measure, the light barrier can always be oriented and/or positioned with respect to the tool currently in use. This is advantageous in particular for fine tuning. In this respect, the setting is made independent of influences such as temperature expansion of the tool, tool wear or tool tolerances, which always allows the positioning of the light barrier ensuring an optimum high degree of safety.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that, in the working position of the first support, the distance between the tool tip and the edge of the light field opposite the tool tip is at least one third, preferably at least one half, of the expansion of the light field in the direction in which the working movement of the movable platform takes place. Now, in the area not obscured by the tool tip, the light receiver and/or the controller can recognize an obstacle (finger, etc.), and thus can stop the working movement and/or bending operation.

The surface of the light field is preferably at least 10cm²Particularly preferably at least 20cm². As previously mentioned, the light field may be illuminated continuously, e.g. formed by an array of broadened beams or discrete beams.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the position of the tool bit within the light receiver or the position of the light barrier (relative to the first tool holder or the tool held thereby) is determined on the basis of the shadow of the tool bit detected by the light receiver. The determination of the position not only makes it possible to reliably detect whether the tool bit is within the predetermined target region, but also to readjust and/or fine-tune the light barrier by adjusting the light emitter.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the first holder is adjusted depending on the determined position of the tool tip within the light field or the determined position of the light barrier until the tool tip is located in a target position or target area within the light field, preferably in a predetermined first area.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the first holder is adjusted depending on the determined position of the tool tip within the light field or the determined position of the light barrier if the tool tip is outside a predetermined first area and within a predetermined second area within the light field, wherein the predetermined first area is within the predetermined second area, and the adjustment of the first holder is performed until the tool tip is within the predetermined first area. This criterion opens up the possibility of performing an adjustment operation only if the tool bit is in a predetermined second region. After the tool is set, the bracket is adjusted according to the size of the tool. Ideally, the tool bit may already be in the target position. However, since the process is in most cases only a rough process, fine adjustments (due to temperature expansion, tool wear and/or tool tolerances) must be made in accordance with the present invention. However, if the tool bit is outside the larger second region from the beginning, it must be assumed that the wrong tool has been inserted or that there is some other malfunction. This measure may also prevent bending operations with incorrectly positioned light barriers and/or incorrectly arranged tools, for example as shown in the following embodiments.

Such an embodiment is characterized by issuing a message and/or warning and/or interrupting the adjustment operation at the user interface of the press brake if no shadow of the tool tip is detected or if the tool tip is outside a predetermined second region within the light field, wherein the predetermined first region is within the predetermined second region.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the second support is arranged on a second side of the platform opposite to the first side and is adjustable relative to the first platform by means of a second adjustment drive, wherein the controller is connected to the second adjustment drive. Thus, the second support can be moved together with the first support so that the light of the light barrier always impinges on the light receiver. Thus, the surface of the light receiver is about the same size as the light field.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the second holder with the light receiver is adjusted to the same extent as the first holder with the light emitter.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the first adjustment drive can be actuated independently of the second adjustment drive. Thus, fine tuning can be performed between the optical transmitter and the optical receiver.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the method comprises an adjustment operation in which the light emitter and the light receiver are adjusted relative to each other by actuating the first adjustment driver and/or the second adjustment driver. In order to be able to optimally position the light barrier (in particular to the nearest millimeter), the light emitter and the light receiver must be optimally tuned to one another with respect to their relative position. Deviations from this optimum orientation can easily be compensated for by this embodiment.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the adjustment operation is carried out as a function of the shadow of the tool tip detected by the light receiver, in particular as a function of the position of the tool tip within the light field. Here, the tool tip is selected as a reference point. In addition, as described in the following embodiments, another reference defined by a light field may be used.

Such an embodiment is characterized in that the light field preferably has a pattern in at least one edge region thereof which is variable in the direction of the adjusting movement of the first carriage, and the adjusting operation is carried out as a function of the relative position of the shadow of the tool bit detected by the light receiver with respect to the pattern detected by the light receiver. Due to these two references (tool tip and pattern) it can easily be determined whether the photo-emitter or photo-receiver has to be readjusted and in which direction the readjustment has to be made.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the first tool holder is an upper tool holder, the second tool holder is a lower tool holder, and/or the first platform is movable relative to the second platform. It has been shown that the arrangement of the safety device and/or the support on the upper movable platform is more space-saving, in particular when bending operations are carried out in the end region of the guide rail.

In a further embodiment, the stands for light emitter and light receiver can be displaced into a parking position in which the front side of the oblong tool holder is open (while the front side is covered in the working position of the holder). Moving to the parking position enables easy replacement of the bending tool via the front opening of the guide rail.

The above object is also achieved by a press brake, in particular a plate bender, for bending a workpiece, comprising:

a first platform with a first tool holder and a second platform with a second tool holder, wherein one platform is movable relative to the other platform to perform a working movement,

a safety device for producing a light barrier, in particular a laser light barrier, which extends between the tool holders transversely to the working movement of the movable platform, which light barrier forms a light field in cross section, wherein the safety device has a first holder which carries a light emitter for producing the light barrier and a second holder which carries a light receiver for receiving the light of the light barrier, and wherein the first holder is arranged on a first side of the first platform and is adjustable relative to the first platform by means of a first adjustment drive such that the position of the light barrier relative to the first tool holder can be changed in the direction of the working movement of the movable platform,

-a controller connected to the first adjustment drive,

characterized in that the press brake is designed for carrying out the method according to the invention, wherein the controller is configured to control the method according to the invention, in particular by evaluating and/or processing data recorded or evaluated by the light receiver and/or by adjusting the first adjustment drive and/or the second adjustment drive.

Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, it will be elucidated in more detail by the following figures.

They are represented in a very simplified schematic representation:

FIG. 1 shows a press brake according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a press brake with a light field using an optimally positioned light barrier;

FIG. 3 shows a light field with a bending tool using a light barrier which is not yet optimally arranged;

FIG. 4 shows a light field with a bend tool, where the bend tool is incorrect or declared incorrect;

fig. 5 shows a preferred embodiment with a light field having a pattern in its lateral edge regions.

It is noted, first, that in the different embodiments described, identical parts have identical reference numerals and/or identical component names, wherein the disclosure contained throughout the description may be similarly transferred to identical parts having identical reference numerals and/or identical component names. Furthermore, the positional specifications selected in the description, for example on the top, on the bottom, on the side, refer to the figures described and depicted directly, and in the case of a change of position, these positional specifications should likewise be transferred to the new position.

Detailed Description

The exemplary embodiments represent possible embodiment variants and it should be noted in this respect that the invention is not limited to these specifically illustrated embodiment variants of the invention, but that various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are also possible and such variation possibilities are within the ability of the person skilled in the art owing to the teaching of the technical action provided by the invention.

The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, reference should be made to the description and drawings for interpreting the claims. The individual features or combinations of features of the different exemplary embodiments shown and described may represent separate inventive solutions. The object on which the independent invention is based can be found in the description.

In this specification, all indications of ranges of values are to be understood such that they also include random and all part-ranges therefrom, for example, indications 1 to 10 are to be understood such that they include all part-ranges based on a lower limit of 1 and an upper limit of 10, i.e. all part-ranges starting with a lower limit of 1 or more and ending with an upper limit of 10 or less, for example 1 to 1.7 or 3.2 to 8.1 or 5.5 to 10.

Finally, in terms of form, it should be noted that some elements are not drawn to scale and/or are enlarged and/or reduced in size in order to facilitate understanding of the structure.

Fig. 1 shows a press brake 10, here in the form of a press brake, for bending a workpiece 19. The first (upper) platform 1 with the first tool holder 11 is movable relative to the second (lower) platform 2 with the second tool holder 12 to perform a working movement (see double arrow). This working movement is effected by a controller 9 which is connected to and controls the press drive 18.

In the embodiment shown, the first tool holder 11 is an upper tool holder and the second tool holder 12 is a lower tool holder. The first platform 1 is movable relative to the second fixed platform 2.

The press brake 10 comprises a first safety device 20 for generating a light barrier 27, in particular a laser light barrier, which extends between the tool holders 11, 12 transversely to the working movement of the movable platform 1 and forms a light field 7 in cross section. The safety device 20 has a first bracket 21 and a second bracket 22, the first bracket 21 carrying a light emitter 25 for generating a light barrier 27 and the second bracket 22 carrying a light receiver 26 for receiving the light of the light barrier 27. The first carriage 21 is arranged on a first side of the first platform 1 and is adjustable relative to the first platform 1 by means of a first adjustment drive 23, such that the position of the light barrier 27 relative to the first tool carriage 11 can be changed in the direction of the working movement of the movable platform 1 (see double arrow in fig. 1).

The first support 21 is arranged on a first side of the first platform 1 and is adjustable relative to the first platform 1 by means of a first adjustment drive 23. The second carriage 22 is arranged on a second side of the first platform 1, opposite the first side, and is adjustable relative to the first platform 1 by means of a second adjustment drive 24.

The controller 9 is connected to a first adjustment drive 23 and a second adjustment drive 24. The optical transmitter 25 and the optical receiver are also connected to the controller 9.

In this respect, the safety device 20 is configured such that the position of the light barrier 27 can be set relative to the first tool holder 11 and/or the tool 8 held therein, the position of the light barrier 27 being determined by the position of the light emitter 25 at one holder. The (full or partial) interruption of the light barrier 27 by an obstacle (e.g. an operator's finger) present in the working path may generate a shadow, which is detected by the light receiver 26. The controller 9, connected to the light receiver 26, stops or slows down the working movement of the press brake 10 (controls the press drive 18) according to the detected shadow.

Preferably, the first tool holder 11 and/or the second tool holder 12 are designed in the form of a rail, which may have a first front opening 13 at least at one end thereof for exchanging the bending tool 8.

The method according to the invention is now characterized in that, prior to the bending operation or series of bending operations, the controller 9 brings the first holder 21 by controlling the first adjustment drive 23 into an operating position in which the tool tip 4 of the bending tool 8 held by the first tool holder 11 is located within the light field 7 formed by the light barrier 27, preferably in a predetermined first region 5 of the light field 7. The result of this arrangement can be seen in figure 2.

Preferably, provision is made for the controller 9 to bring the first carriage 21 into the working position in dependence on the shadow of the tool tip 4 detected by the light receiver 26.

For example, if the point and/or its shadow is outside the target area, and therefore outside the predetermined first area, as is the case in fig. 3, the first support with the light emitter is adjusted accordingly by actuating the adjustment drive 23 until the light emitter occupies the position of fig. 2.

Preferably, in the working position of the first support 21, the distance between the tool tip 4 and the edge 3 of the light field 7 opposite the tool tip 4 is at least one third, preferably at least one half, of the extension of the light field 7 in the direction in which the working movement of the movable platform 1 occurs (fig. 2).

The position of the tool tip 4 within the light field 7 or the position of the light barrier 27 can now be determined on the basis of the shadow of the tool tip 4 detected by the light receiver 26.

The first holder 21 is now adjusted, depending on the determined position of the tool head 4 in the light field 7 or the determined position of the light barrier 27, until the tool head 4 is located in a target position or target region in the light field 7, preferably in the predetermined first region 5.

In connection with the relative position between the tool bit 4 and the light field 7 shown in fig. 3, the first holder 21 can now be adjusted depending on the determined position of the tool bit 4 in the light field 7 or the determined position of the light barrier 27, if the tool bit 4 is outside the predetermined first region 5 but still within the predetermined second region 6 within the light field 7. The predetermined first area 5 is within the predetermined second area 6. The adjustment of the first holder (21) is performed until the tool tip (4) is located in the predetermined first area (5) (see fig. 2).

However, if no shadow of the tool tip 4 is detected or if the tool tip 4 is outside the predetermined second region 6 (see fig. 4), a message and/or warning may be issued at the user interface 13 and/or the adjustment operation may be interrupted.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the second holder with the photoreceiver is designed similarly to the first holder, and the second holder 22 with the photoreceiver 26 is adjusted in each case to the same extent as the first holder 21 with the phototransmitter 25. However, as mentioned before, the light receiver may also be designed differently, in particular to be stationary, for example when its capture area and/or its light-sensitive surface covers a larger area (meaning that it covers all possible positions of the light receiver in the direction of the working movement).

In addition, the first adjustment drive 23 can be adjusted independently of the second adjustment drive 24, whereby fine adjustment is possible. With such fine tuning, the light emitter 25 and the light receiver 26 may be adjusted relative to each other by actuating the first adjustment driver 23 and/or the second adjustment driver 24.

The adjustment operation may be performed in dependence on the shadow of the tool tip 4 detected by the light receiver 26, in particular in dependence on the position of the tool tip 4 within the light field 7. Thus, the tool tip is used herein as (a) a reference point.

However, it is particularly preferred that the light field 7 preferably has a pattern 14 in at least one edge region thereof which is variable in the direction of the adjusting movement of the first support 21 (see fig. 5). The adjustment operation may be based on the relative position of the shadow of the tool tip 4 detected by the light receiver 26 with respect to the pattern 14 detected by the light receiver 26. Due to these two references (tool tip and pattern) it can easily be determined whether the photo-emitter or photo-receiver has to be readjusted and in which direction the readjustment has to be made.

In each case, the press brake 10 is designed for carrying out the method according to the invention, and the controller 9 is configured to control the method according to the invention, in particular by evaluating and/or processing the data recorded or evaluated by the light receiver 26 and/or by adjusting the first adjustment drive 23 and/or the second adjustment drive 24.

List of reference numerals

1 first platform

2 second platform

3 edges of the light field 7

4 tool end

5 predetermining a first area

6 predetermined second area

7 light field

8 bending tool

9 controller

10 bending press

11 first tool holder

12 second tool holder

13 user interface

14 pattern

18 press driver

19 workpiece

20 safety device

21 first support

22 second support

23 first adjustment drive

24 second adjustment drive

25 light emitter

26 optical receiver

27 light barrier