Patent Application
20240261838
The invention relates to a safety system and a bending machine, in particular a press brake, having a safety system
In bending machines, a deformation of a workpiece is achieved by a vertically movable upper beam that presses on the workpiece, which rests on a lower beam located below the upper beam.
It is known from the prior art to provide a safety system consisting of a transmitter and receiver on a bending machine in order to detect the unintentional intrusion of objects or body parts between the upper beam and the lower beam. The transmitter and receiver are positioned at opposite ends laterally under the upper beam and follow the movement of the upper beam. The transmitter emits radiation, such as light, which is detected by the receiver. Due to objects between the transmitter and receiver, less radiation is detected by the receiver. As a consequence, the movement of the upper beam can be stopped.
There is often a need to adjust the vertical height of the transmitter and receiver in the bending machine for such a safety system, e.g., when tools in the bending machine are replaced and this changes the height of the detection area between transmitter and receiver.
Document U.S. Pat. No. 4,527,684 A discloses a safety system for a bending machine according to the preamble of claim 1.
In the publication EP 3 372 319 A2 a safety system for a bending machine is described, in which the transmitter and the receiver are separately connected to a respective flexible retaining element, which is guided over an adjusting disk. The height of the respective transmitter and receiver can be adjusted via the adjusting disk. This safety system has the disadvantage that separate mechanics are required for the transmitter and receiver to adjust their height.
The publication CN 111558666 A discloses a safety system for a bending machine in which a synchronous height adjustment of a transmitter and a receiver is achieved via a complex and bulky linkage arrangement.
The object of the invention is to provide a safety system in a bending machine that has a simply constructed and space-saving adjustment device for adjusting the height of the transmitter and receiver.
This object is achieved by the safety system according to patent claim 1 or the bending machine according to patent claim 13. Further developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.
The safety system according to the invention is provided for bending machine, which is in particular a press brake. The interactions between the safety system and the bending machine described below are to be understood in such a way that these interactions occur when the safety system is installed in the bending machine, i.e., when the safety system is used or operated in the bending machine as intended. The safety system or its components are thus configured to cause the corresponding interactions when the safety system is installed in the bending machine.
The bending machine for which the safety system is provided includes an upper beam and a lower beam, wherein the upper beam is movable in a working direction of the bending machine relative to the lower beam in order to form a workpiece, in particular a sheet inserted between the upper beam and the lower beam via a front side of the bending machine, by bending along a bending line, which extends in a width direction of the bending machine. The working direction preferably corresponds to a vertical height direction of the bending machine.
Where in the following terms are used in connection with above or below or in relation to a (vertical) height direction, these terms always refer to the vertical top-bottom direction in the operating position of the bending machine, i.e., the position of its intended use.
The safety system includes a first functional element and a further functional element for monitoring, preferably directly monitoring, a safety area between both functional elements and between the upper beam and the lower beam. Preferably, the first functional element and the further functional element are positioned between the upper beam and the lower beam. Preferably, the first functional element is a transmitter for emitting radiation and the further functional element is a receiver for receiving radiation from the transmitter. The radiation from the transmitter is preferably optical radiation in the visible and possibly also non-visible wavelength range. If necessary, the radiation can also be laser radiation. The safety system is arranged to follow the movement of the upper beam in the working direction. In addition to optically operating functional elements, however, those operating by means of other principles are also conceivable, such as acoustic or ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, capacitive sensors, etc.
In the safety system according to the invention, the first functional element and the further functional element are mechanically connected to one another via a flexible tractive force transmission means and an adjustment device for changing the position of the functional elements. Preferably, the first functional element and the further functional element are mechanically connected to one another exclusively via the flexible tractive force transmission means and the adjustment device. A flexible tractive force transmission means is a transmission means that is used exclusively for the transmission of tractive force and is deformable or flexible without any tractive force acting on it.
The adjustment device includes a coupling section movably guided in the working direction, which is (mechanically) coupled to the flexible tractive force transmission means in order to convert a movement of the coupling section into a movement of the flexible tractive force transmission means, which causes a path-identical change in position of the functional elements in the working direction relative to the upper beam. Thus, a common coupling section is provided for the first functional element and the further functional element.
The adjustment device is a manual adjustment device by which the movement of the coupling section is effected via a mechanical application of force by an operator. To do so, the adjustment device comprises a tension-proof adjusting element, such as a strap or rope, having a handle (e.g., a grip). This tension-proof adjusting element is connected in the interior of the bending machine to the coupling section located there, wherein the tension-proof adjusting element extends from the interior of the bending machine through a body part of the bending machine to the handle, the handle being accessible from the exterior of the bending machine. Preferably, the coupling section is movable by increasing and decreasing the tractive force which the operator exerts on the tension-proof adjusting element via the handle. Preferably, the handle is magnetic or has a magnetic element so that the handle adheres to the body part of the bending machine, e.g., the front side of the upper beam, by magnetic force.
The safety system according to the invention has the advantage that a synchronous change in position of the two functional elements can be achieved simply and in a space-saving manner by means of a common coupling section for the first functional element and the further functional element in combination with a flexible tractive force transmission means.
Due to the adjustment device comprising a tension-proof adjusting element having a handle, a very space-saving and convenient manual adjustment of the position of the functional elements is achieved. Furthermore, the operator cannot be endangered by this embodiment during machine operation. In the event of a possible collision, the handle detaches from the upper beam and eliminates the risk of crushing.
In a preferred embodiment of the safety system according to the invention, the coupling section and the flexible tractive force transmission means are arranged such that the change in position of the first functional element and the further functional element in the working direction relative to the upper beam is a linear displacement of the first functional element and the further functional element along the working direction. This ensures a space-saving movement of the transmitter and receiver for their position change.
In another preferred embodiment, the flexible tractive force transmission means comprises one or more sections, wherein a first section connects the coupling section to the first functional element and another section connects the coupling section to the further functional element. This creates a particularly simple configuration of the tractive force transmission means. The sections can, for example, be configured as ropes (e.g., wire ropes).
In another preferred embodiment, the flexible tractive force transmission means is guided on the rear side of the upper beam, wherein the rear side faces away from the front side of the bending machine. This ensures that the tractive force transmission means is not located on the operator side of the bending machine, thus avoiding unwanted interference contours and pinch points on the operator side.
In a preferred variant of the embodiment just described, one or more deflection means are provided for guiding the flexible tractive force transmission means, which are arranged on the rear side of the upper beam. Preferably, these deflection means are configured as deflection pulleys. With this variant, a flexible arrangement of the tractive force transmission means on the rear side of the upper beam can be achieved.
In another preferred embodiment, the adjustment device is arranged on the upper beam. For example, the adjustment device can be integrated into the upper beam. Preferably, the coupling section is arranged on the rear side of the upper beam. This allows a compact arrangement of the adjustment device in the bending machine. Nevertheless, it can also be possible to arrange the adjustment device to be laterally offset in the width direction next to the upper beam. In a further embodiment, the adjustment device is covered by a cover so that it is suitably protected during operation of the bending machine.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the coupling section is linearly movable and preferably movable in the working direction of the bending machine, wherein the linear movement of the coupling section displaces one end of the tractive force transmission means connected to the first functional element offset by the same distance in the working direction as another end of the tractive force transmission means connected to the further functional element. With this embodiment, the change in position of the functional elements is effected in a simple manner via a linear movement of the coupling section.
In another preferred variant, the tension-proof adjusting element is connected to the coupling section located on the rear side of the upper beam, facing away from the front side of the bending machine. The tension-proof adjusting element extends from the rear side of the upper beam through the upper beam and then along the front side of the upper beam opposite the rear side to the handle, wherein the tension-proof adjusting element extends along the front side preferably downward to the handle. The coupling section can be moved by increasing and decreasing the tractive force which the operator exerts on the tension-proof adjusting element via the handle. Preferably, the handle is magnetic or has a magnetic element so that the handle adheres to the front side of the upper beam by magnetic force.
In another preferred embodiment, the manual adjustment device includes locking means that allow the operator to lock the coupling section in a plurality of different positions. The locking means can be released from a locked position by the operator and subsequently locked in a new position by the operator after movement of the coupling section. Depending on the design, the locking can be realised without a grid, e.g., via a clamping mechanism, or it can be designed with a grid, i.e., there is a fixed number of locking positions.
In a preferred variant, the locking means comprises a positioning element, such as a bolt, which can preferably be actuated via the front side of the upper beam, for locking in various defined locking positions of the coupling section. The positioning element is biased into a locking position via a return element. If the positioning element can be actuated via the front side of the upper beam, it preferably does not protrude beyond the front side of the upper beam, thus avoiding interfering contours and pinch points on the front side of the upper beam.
In an embodiment not defined in the claims, instead of a manual adjustment device, an automatic adjustment device can also be provided, which can be actuated by means of an actuator, e.g., hydraulically and/or electromechanically and/or pneumatically. The actuator is preferably controllable by operator actions. This embodiment makes it easier to adjust the position of the functional elements.
In another preferred embodiment, a display means is provided for visualising the position (preferably the height position) of the first functional element and the further functional element in the working direction for an operator. In a simple realisation, the display means is a scale, wherein the position of the functional elements in the working direction is preferably indicated on the scale by an operating element, such as the above handle of the tension-proof adjusting element. Nonetheless, the display means can also include one or more light units or one or more displays.
In addition to the safety system described above, the invention relates to a bending machine which includes an upper beam and a lower beam, wherein the upper beam is movable in a working direction of the bending machine relative to the lower beam in order to form a workpiece inserted between the upper beam and the lower beam via a front side of the bending machine, by bending along a bending line, which extends in a width direction of the bending machine.
The bending machine includes a safety system having a first functional element and a further functional element for monitoring a safety area between both functional elements and between the upper beam and lower beam of the bending machine. The safety system is arranged to follow the movement of the upper beam in the working direction.
In the safety system of the bending machine according to the invention, the first functional element and the further functional element are mechanically connected to one another via a flexible tractive force transmission means and an adjustment device for changing the position of the functional elements, wherein the adjustment device comprises a coupling section movably guided in the working direction, which is (mechanically) coupled to the flexible tractive force transmission means in order to convert a movement of the coupling section into a movement of the flexible tractive force transmission means, which causes a path-identical change in position of the functional elements in the working direction relative to the upper beam.
The adjustment device is a manual adjustment device by which the movement of the coupling section is effected via a mechanical application of force by an operator. To do so, the adjustment device comprises a tension-proof adjusting element, such as a strap or rope, having a handle (e.g., a grip). This tension-proof adjusting element is connected in the interior of the bending machine to the coupling section located there, wherein the tension-proof adjusting element extends from the interior of the bending machine through a body part of the bending machine to the handle, the handle being accessible from the exterior of the bending machine. Preferably, the coupling section is movable by increasing and decreasing the tractive force which the operator exerts on the tension-proof adjusting element via the handle. Preferably, the handle is magnetic or has a magnetic element so that the handle adheres to the body part of the bending machine, e.g., the front side of the upper beam, by magnetic force.
Thus, the bending machine according to the invention includes a safety system according to the invention.
Preferably, the bending machine includes one or more preferred embodiments of the safety system according to the invention. In other words, the bending machine can include the above features described in connection with preferred embodiments of the safety system according to the invention.
An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described in detail below with reference to the enclosed figures.
In the figures:
In the following, an embodiment of the invention is described using a bending machine in the form of a press brake. A perspective view of this press brake is shown in
The bending machine I comprises a frame 2 including, among other things, two side stands 3, 3′ and a frame plate 4. An upper beam 7 and a lower beam 9 are provided at the front side of the bending machine. The front side of the upper beam 7 is designated with reference symbol 7a and the front side of the lower beam 9 is designated with reference symbol 9a. On the upper edge of the lower beam 9 there is a tool table 10, on which lower tools are mounted during operation of the bending machine. In contrast, the upper beam 7 comprises a tool receptacle 8 for fastening corresponding upper tools. During operation of the bending machine, a sheet is inserted into the space between the upper beam 7 and the lower beam 9, and the upper beam 7 is then moved downwards so that the upper tools press into the lower tools, thereby deforming the sheet. To ensure a stable stand of the bending machine during a bending process, it is anchored to the floor in its corners using corresponding anchoring means 11.
A hydraulic actuator is used to move the upper beam 7, which is mostly located on the top of a reinforcement plate 5 that extends between the side stands 3 and 3′. In the illustration of
In order to monitor the space between the upper beam and the lower beam and to detect the unintentional entry of objects into this region, a safety system 12 is provided on the bending machine. This safety system 12 comprises a first functional element, which in the embodiment described here is designed as a transmitter 13a for emitting light, for example in the non-visible infrared range, and a further functional element, which in the embodiment described here is designed as a receiver 13b that detects the light from the transmitter. The first functional element 13a or the transmitter is positioned at the right end of the upper beam 7, whereas the further functional element 13b or the receiver is positioned at the opposite left end of the upper beam 7. Alternatively, the further functional element 13b can be arranged at the right end of the upper beam 7 and the first functional element 13a at the left end of the upper beam. If an object or a human body part unintentionally enters between the upper beam 7 and the lower beam 9, this blocks or reduces the light radiation arriving at the receiver 13b, whereupon the movement of the upper beam 7 stops immediately. This prevents injuries to the human operator, for example when his hand enters between the upper beam and the lower beam.
The first functional element 13a and the further functional element 13b are connected to electrical cables via which they are controlled by means of a control device (not shown) and are also supplied with power. The cables are routed in corresponding energy chains 14 that extend downward from the transmitter or receiver.
The transmitter and receiver follow the vertical movement of the upper beam 7, wherein its relative height position with respect to the upper beam can be adjusted by an adjustment device 17, which is described in more detail below. Of this adjustment device, a tension-proof adjusting element 18 in the form of a band with a handle 19 in the form of a grip located thereon can be seen in
According to
In the embodiment described here, the adjustment device 17 is integrated in the upper beam 7. In a modified embodiment, it is also possible for the adjustment device 17 to be arranged to be laterally offset in the width direction y next to the upper beam at its right or left edge and mounted there to the frame plate 4. For example, the adjustment device can be located next to the right edge of the upper beam 7, where it can be covered by a cover 37, if required. This cover is only schematically indicated by a dashed rectangle in
In the embodiment described here, an adjustment device that can be manually operated by an operator is used to adjust the height position of the transmitter and receiver. Nevertheless, the adjustment device can also include an actuator to operate it, if necessary. By way of example, a corresponding actuator is indicated schematically in
The two upper ends of the ropes are attached to the rear side of the coupling section 23. This can be seen in
By connecting the two cables to the common coupling section 23, a simultaneous vertical movement of the transmitter and receiver is easily achieved by means of a vertical movement of the coupling section 23. To allow an operator to move the coupling section 23, the tension-proof adjusting element 18 is connected to the coupling section 23 via an interface, which in the embodiment described here is configured as a clamping device 28. In this case, the clamping device 28 consists of two screwed clamping plates which hold the lower end of the tension-proof adjusting element 18 by clamping and are screwed to the coupling section 23. Below the clamping device 28 there is also a path limiting element 29, which is configured as a stop and by which the downward movement of the clamping device 28 and the coupling section 23 connected thereto is delimited.
According to
The coupling section 23 can be locked in various vertical positions. For this purpose, the positioning element/bolt 24 is used, which interacts with a detent, which in the embodiment described here is formed by horizontally extending elongated holes 26 of the coupling section 23. The positioning element can be positioned in the horizontally extending elongated holes for locking, as explained in more detail below with reference to
In the position of the coupling section 23 shown in
The locking and unlocking of the coupling section 23 by means of the positioning element 24 are explained in more detail below with reference to
From
According to
By an operator pressing on the operating element 24b of the positioning element 24, the positioning element 24 is pressed into the upper beam 7 against the elastic force of the return element 34. As a result, the horizontal leg of the T-shaped section 24a moves out of the corresponding elongated hole 26. In this case, the thickness of the horizontal leg is less than the thickness of the vertical leg of the T-shaped section 24a. As soon as the horizontal leg is outside the elongated hole 26, the movement of the coupling section 23 is released. The movement of the coupling section can be controlled by the operator by pulling on the tension-proof adjusting element 18 or releasing the tractive force on the tension-proof adjusting element 18 via the handle 19.
In the following, the operating action of the operator for simultaneous height adjustment of the first functional element/transmitter 13a and the further functional element/receiver 13b is explained. When the operator determines that, for example, due to the installation of new upper or lower tools, the transmitter and receiver are to be arranged in a new height position, he grips the tension-proof adjusting element 18 via the handle 19 and simultaneously presses the operating element 24b of the positioning element 24, thereby releasing the movement of the coupling section 23. First, the operator holds the coupling section 23 in the current height position by pulling on the tension-proof adjusting element 18.
To lower the transmitter and receiver, the operator triggers the vertical downward movement of the coupling section by reducing his pull on the tension-proof adjusting element 18 until the coupling section is in the desired vertical position, which correlates with a corresponding desired height position of the of the functional elements 13a and 13b. Similarly, the operator can initiate a lifting of the transmitter and receiver by pulling on the tension-proof adjusting element 18 and an associated upward vertical movement of the coupling section 23, provided that the horizontal leg of the T-shaped section 24a is not in the lowest elongated hole.
Once the desired height position is reached, this is indicated to the operator by correlation of the marking on the handle 19 with the corresponding height indicated on the display means 36. The horizontal leg of the T-shaped section 24a is then at the level of another elongated hole. The operator then releases the operating element 24b. Thereupon, the horizontal leg of the T-shaped section 24a slides into the new elongated hole and causes the coupling section 23 to be locked in place.
The embodiment of the invention described in the foregoing provides a number of advantages. In particular, simultaneous height adjustment of the transmitter and receiver is provided in a simple manner by a movable coupling section connected to both the transmitter and receiver of a safety system via flexible tractive force transmission means. Through a corresponding design or arrangement of an adjustment device, for example in the form of a coupling section on the rear side of the upper beam in combination with a tension-proof adjusting element on the front side of the upper beam and an operating element flush with the front side, interference contours or pinch points on the front side of the upper beam are prevented.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21173567.5 | May 2021 | EP | regional |
This application is a national stage of international application PCT/EP2022/062743, filed May 11, 2022, which claims priority to European patent application EP21173567.5, filed May 12, 2021, the content of the both of which is herein incorporated by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/062743 | 5/11/2022 | WO |
